
y^ 




A GENEALOGICAL CHART of the DIRECT 

ASCENDING LINE, and Portion of the 

DESCENDING LINE of 

GOV. JAMES JACKSON. 



OF MORETON HAMPSTEAD, 



CLEMENT AND HONOR 

JACKSON. 



DEVON, ENGLAND. 











1 


ABRAHAM, 

B. 

8 Aug., 1678. 




Married 
REBECCA. 













JABEZ, 

B. Oct. 2, 1700. 

Buried at 

Moreton. 



SARAH 
WALDRON. 



JAMES, 
B. Sept. 1, 1730, 
D. May 15, 1782. 



Aug. 30, 1755, 

to 
MARY WEBBER. 
B. Apr. 2, 1734, 
D. July 5, 1785. 

.-It Teignm. 



1 




1 




1 . 








JAMES, 
Gen'l, and Gov. of Georgia. 

U. S. Senator. B. at Moretnn, 
England, Sept. 21, 1757. To Amer- 
ica April 13, 1772 U. Mar. 19, 
1806, at Washington, D. C. 




30 Jan., 1785, 

to 

MARY C. YOING. 
D. 5 July, 1795. 



WILLIAM HENRY, 
B. 3 June, 1786, 
0. 8 Aug., 1875. 

First Alumnus 
University of Ga. 
and Trustee 40 jrts. 

State Senator, 



MILDRED LEWIS 

COBB, 
B. - - . 1790. 
D. Mar. 3, 1853. 

Married October, 

1808. 



JAMES, 
B. 20 Dec, 1787. 

Professor 

University of 

Georgia. 



MARTHA COBB 

JACKSON, 

B. Jan. 29, 1816, 

D. Sep. 26, 1893. 

Married 
Dec. 23, 1834. 



JOHN T. GRANT, 
B. Dec. 13, 1813, 
D. Jan. 18, 1887. 

State Senator. 



JABEZ YOUNG, 
B. July, 1790. 

Member U. S. Con. 

In London, 

1816. 



JAMES, LL. D., 
B. Oct. 18, 1820, 

Judge of Superior i 
Court, Member U. 
S. Congress, Chief 
Justice ot Georgia. 

D.Jan. 13, 1887. 



JOSEPH WEBBER, 
B. 6 Dec, 1796. 

Member Congress, 
U.S. 





'^f^. 



THE LIFE 



OF 



Major General James Jackson. 



BY THOMAS U. PrCHARI.TON, 

A CITIZEN OF SAVANNAH. 



HIC VIR, HIC EST, TIBI QUEM PROMITTI SOEPIUS AUDI8. 

ViRG. Ms: 6. VER. 791. 



PART I. 



OFPiMEBXQ^ 




AUGUSTA, GEORGIA: 

PRINTED BY GEO: F. RANDOLPH, & CO. 

....1809.... 






O' 



^K^ 



...vr^o^-^^iV" 



Of this Charlton's Life of Major General James 

Jackson only 250 copies have been reprinted from 

type and the type distributed. 

(Signed.) 

Publisher, Atlanta, Ga. 
No 



^ 
^ 
^ 

^ 

^ 

% 



District of Georgia, to wit: 

BE IT REiMEMBERED, That on the 
fou7'teeyith day of January, in the year of our Lord, 
one thousand, eight hundred and nine, and in the thirty 
third year of the independence of the United States of 
America, Thomas U. P. Chaelton, of said district. 
Esquire, hath deposited in this office, the title of a book, 
the right tvhereof he claims as proprietor and author, 
in the icords following, to unt : "THE LIFE OF 
"MAJOR GENERAL JAMES JACKSON, by 
" THOMAS u. P. CHARLTON, « citizen of Savmmah . . . 
" "■ Hie vir, hie est, tibi quern promitti soepius 
" audis." 1 Virg. ^u : 6. ver. 791 Part 1 

"AUGUSTA, GEORGIA." 

In conformity to the act of the congress of the United 
States, entitled, "An act for the encouragement of learn- 
" ing, by securing the copies of maps, charts and books 
" to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during 
the times therein mentioned.^' 

RICHARD M. STITES, 

Clerh Georgia District. 



DEDICATION 



TO 



My Friends, 



COL: GEO: TROUP, 

MAJOR GEN : DAVID B. MITCHELL, 

CHARLES HARRIS, ESQ. 

MAJOR O'BRIEN SMITH, and 

WILLIAM B. BULLOCH, ESQ. 

I beg leave to dedicate the following pages : 

THEY contain the revolutionary services of the 
late General James Jackson, than whom this country 
never did produce a more useful citizen, or incor- 
ruptible statesman. 

The friends, whom I now request, to take this 
portion of his life under their protection, are distin- 
guished by their devotion to republican principles ; 
they will therefore I presume, pardon me for affixing 
their names to a narrative, which attempts (as far as 
I am able) to perpetuate the fame of a patriot, whose 
whole life was spent in exertions for the support of 
these principles, and the good of the republic. 

THOS: U. P. CHARLTON. 

Savannah, December 8th, 1808. 



INTRODUCTION. 



I HERE oflPer to the Public the First Part of the 
Life of Major General James Jackson. Agreea- 
bly to the plan I suggested iu one of my advertise- 
ments, I have separated the Revolutionary, from the 
Civil pursuits of that distinguished citizen ; and I 
have endeavored to associate with his, the names and 
services of every Georgian, who was in any manner 
connected with him in the perils and trials of the 
war with Britain. I feel convinced, that names are 
omitted whose patriotism, or valor, covered them 
with glory : but as I was not writing a history of the 
revolution, I could not with any kind of consist- 
ency, advert to men, whose actions could not be 
brought within the circle of General Jackson's ser- 
vices. My heart is influenced by a very sincere affec- 
tion for Georgia and her people, and if sufficient 
encouragement was given me, I would immediately 
undertake an history of the revolution in this State, 
in which I could expose the injustice done to our 



VI. INTRODUCTION. 

heroes and patriots by all the historians ; and in 
doing so, place the character of Georgia upon a basis 
of respectability, which has hitherto been withheld 
from her, by writers on the revolution ; and such a 
work, would at the same time enable me to rescue 
from forgetfulness, the names of many warriors, who 
have descended the grave, or who have survived the 
dangers of the revolution, only to encounter the in- 
gratitude of their country. 

When a revolutionary hero passes me, I feel an 
irresistible inclination to pull oif my hat to him, and 
to give him my blessing, for the invaluable rights 
which his courage and his virtue have bestowed upon 
myself, and my children. If he has lost a leg or an 
arm, I execrate the poverty which prevents me from 
rendering the residue of his life comfortable, and 
even affluent; and in such moments, I feel an indig- 
nation at the governmental parsimony of his country, 
which withholds from him a liberal compensation for 
his toils and his wounds. Indeed, if the gratitude, or 
pecuniary compensation of the nation were to be a 
criteria of the poor soldier's revolutionary merits, it 
would be better, that he had never participated in the 
dangers of the contest with the British king. The 
penury and distress, which that contest surrounded 
our veterans with, were made the intruments of the 
most unprincipled speculation, upon their public secu- 
rities. Their extreme poverty obliged them to sell 
their certificates, at two shillings and six pence in the 
pound, for which the government under the benign 
and equitable influence of a funding system, have 
agreed to pay the speculators (a majority of whom 
were perhaps enemies of the revolution) twenty shil- 



INTRODUCTION. vii. 

lings in the pound and interest!!! With such senti- 
ments of veneration, for the revolutionary soldiers, I 
have felt happy in the opportunity afforded me from 
a few scanty materials, to write the history of one of 
them. Under the influence of such sentiments, I 
give to my fellow-citizens the first part of the Life 
OF Major General James Jackson, who as far as 
his courage or his virtue were permitted to exert 
themselves, is surely entitled to this scrap of Biog- 
raphy. There were other patriots who performed 
greater services than he performed ; but I can with 
safety hazard the assertion, that no patriot ever prac- 
ticed a more daring courage, or evinced a more fervid 
attachment to the liberty and independence of Amer- 
ica, than did the heroic Jackson. If ray readers 
please then, I will submit his character to public in- 
vestigation, not as one, who gained great and impor- 
tant victories, but as an officer, who in a subordinate 
and limited command, discharged all the duties of his 
station with fidelity, honor, and courage. — Or, if ray 
readers please, they may view my hero in the simple 
light of a common soldier, who gallantly drew his 
sword in defense of the liberties of this nation; who 
fought seven years with undiminished enthusiasm in 
defence of those liberties, and who did not sheathe 
his sword, until it was acknowledged by the despot 
who had oppressed us, that we were a free and inde- 
pendent people . . . .Taking the character of Gen, 
Jackson from this point of view, I hope there is suffi- 
cient virtue left among our citizens, to receive with 
candor and indulgence the memoirs, of a revolu- 
tionary SOLDIER. . . .For any inaccuracies, which 
may be found in the following pages, I beg leave to 



VIII. INTRODUCTION. 

offer this apology. When I communicated my deter- 
mination to write a history of the revolution in this 
State, and the memoirs of Gen. Jackhon, I requested 
those who had shared in the perils of the revolution, 
to furnish me with all the information which either 
their memories, or their papers could afford. I waited 
in vain for one year, and more, under a full expecta- 
tion of receiving volumes of intelligence from the old 
Georgia officers and soldiers. Disappointed in this 
expectation, I was obliged to abandon the idea of 
writing a history of the revolution in this State, and 
to confine myself to the life of my much lamented 
friend. The papers which were given by the general 
in his lifetime, and after his death by his family, are 
the only lights which have directed me in the follow- 
ing imperfect and short compilation : and those papers 
can at any time be shewn to those, who may be curi- 
ous enough to wish an examination. If any errors 
have crept into those papers, I cannot be made re- 
sponsible for them. 

I MUST acknowledge myself indebted to Dr. Ram- 
say's history of the revolution in South Carolina, for 
many facts, which I have given in his own words, 
and I have also borrowed expressions from the life of 
Washington, when I found that they were better than 
any I could use. The second part of this volume 
will appear as soon as my printers are reimbursed 
their expenses in publishing this part. 

It is the civil, and not the revolutionary life of 
Gen. Jackson that is the most interesting; and in 
giving a full development of the Yazoo speculation, 
I feel perfectly convinced that I shall fulfill every 



INTRODUCTION. ix. 

expectation I may have excited on that subject. It 
was his hostility to this speculation which gave him a 
high place in the affection of the people of Georgia, 
and I hope, of all the honest men in the United 
States. It was the basis of his fame, and will conse- 
crate his memory in the opinion of posterity. 



B 



LIFE 



OF 



Major General James Jackson. 



CHAPTER I. 



Born in England . . . arrives in Savannah in 1772 . . . 
espouses the American cause. 

JAMES JACKSON was born at Moreton- 
Hampstead, in the county of Devon, in England, 
on the 21st day of September, 1757. (1) We 
are not in possession of any materials which ex- 
plain the motives of his determination to leave his 
native country. We only know, that he migrated 
to the State of Georgia in the year 1772, and was 
placed under the protection of John Wereat, Esq., an 
old and intimate friend of his father. (2) 

(1) Moreton or Moreton-Hampstead, is situated on the borders 
of Dartmouth Forest. It is a very trifling place, the houses be- 
ing mean and very irregularly built ; nor does it contain any- 
thing that merits notice, except having a tolerable good manufac- 
tory for serges. It has a weekly market on Saturday and is 
distant from London 182 miles. 

Daltons English Traveller, p. 383. 

(2) This gentleman took an early part on the American side. 
He was speaker of the provincial congress in 1776, and acted with 
distinguished patriotism during the whole period of the revolu- 
tion. He possessed great financial talents, which he exerted with 
much usefulness to the State. For this gentlemen Gen. Jackson 
always retained the greatest afl'ection, and amidst the distresses 
of the war, found in him a sincere, kind, and hospitable friend. 
Mr. Wereat died in 1798, at Hard wick, his country seat, univer- 
sally regretted by his fellow-citizens. 



2 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

At this early age we are authorized to suppose, that 
young Jackson's mind had received impressions un- 
favorable to the political institutions of his own coun- 
try. In these inijiressions he was no doubt encour- 
aged, by liis worthy father, whose opinions and prin- 
ciples it is said, were always on the side of freedom 
and the rights of man. 

This gentlemen, had at an early period evinced a par- 
tiality for the privileges of his American brethren, and 
in the circle of his family and friends vehemently con- 
tended against the right of Parliament to tax the colo- 
nies. The bold and decisive opposition made by the 
colonists to this supremacy of power, was to the father 
of Jackson, a subject of great exultation. He held 
up their spirit of freedom, as an example worthy the 
imitation of his own countrymen, and his frequent 
panegyrics on the "American sons of liberty," gave an 
irresistible bias in their favor to the mind of James. . . . 
He sighed to become one of a people, who had dis- 
played that enthusiastic devotion to liberty, which 
had already taken possession of his own feelings, and 
in America he conceived he would trace some resem- 
blances to the virtue and heroism which had dis- 
tinguished the ancient republics of Rome and Greece. 
Young Jackson, from the republican writers of his 
country, and the principles of his fiamily, had imbibed 
the most inveterate prejudices against the hereditary 
and factitious distinctions of the British aristocracy ; 
and the principle that a man should be born a king, 
or a legislator was alternately the subject of his ridi- 
cule, or indignation. . . . The whole system of monar- 
chy, appeared to him, an hideous usurpation on the 
natural rights of man, and considered as a violation 



JAMES JACKSON. 3 

of those rights to oppose such a system could be 
neither treason, or rebellion. 

The patriot assassins who deprived Ceasar of his 
life committed no treason .... the treason was with 
them who offered him a crown, and submitted to his 
despotism. Because a government was established, 
that it should therefore be permanent and eternal, was 
in the political theory of Jackson, degrading and 
absurd. Passive obedience was therefore a crime 
in the people, when a revolutionary resistance was 
dictated by their reason, and their interest. Hence, 
the spirit which had marked the deliberations of his 
American brethren, promised not only a similarity of 
sentiment with his own, but rendered probable a revo- 
lution, w^hich would place the happiness of a great 
people upon the solid basis of republican equality. 
With sentiments so favorable to liberty, and thus 
early imbibed, young Jackson parted from his friends 
in England and arrived at Savannah, in Georgia, in 
the year 1772. 

Some men are constitutionally brave, others are 
brave from reflection .... from a nice sensibility to 
public opinion. 

Nature had destined Jackson for a soldier, and 
had gifted him with all the properties of a constitutional 
courage. It may be said of him without exaggeration, 
that he wooed danger, and that he never was appalled 
by the perils and difficulties which at any time sur- 
rounded him .... Such a man was not fit for the 
calm of despotism, or for those scenes which do not 
require the exercise of boldness, activity, and enter- 
prise. 

Goldsmith's national character of an Englishman 



4 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

may witli great propriety be applied to Jacksou : . . . 
^' what man dares do in circumstances of danger an 
Englishman will. His virtues seem to sleep in the 
calm, and are called out only to combat the kindred 
storm." * 

The period of Jackson's arrival and domiciliation 
in the state of Georgia, was lavorable to the full de- 
velopment of those vigorous traits with which nature 
had marked his character. 

In 1769, the resolution not to import from Great 
Britain any articles whatever, was almost universally 
agreed to by the Colonies. The flame which had 
been kindled by the brave and virtuous people of 
Massachusetts, had begun to spread itself in every 
section of the colonies. 

At this period, Georgia entered into the views of 
the other Colonies, and at this period, her people 
evinced that spirit of opposition to the tyrannical 
measures of the Britsh government, which had been 
so nobly rlisplayed by the patriots of New England. 

In 1770, corresponding committees were organized 
to keep up the discontent of the people, and to pre- 
pare their minds for the approaching bloody contest. 



^Citizen of the World, vol. 2, p. 122. 



JAMES JACKSON. 



The year 1774 may be marked as the crisis of the 
destinies of the natiou. The duty on Tea, had been 
retained, for the purpose of avoiding an abandonment 
of the Legislative supremacy of Great Britain. All 
other duties for raising a revenue in the Colonies had 
been repealed. 

But these concessions did not appease the angry 
feelings of our patriots. Flushed with the success 
of all their previous efforts, they continued to oppose 
the princijjle of a foreign taxation, by every bold 
measure, which could indicate a determined hostility 

to British domination Warmed with the principles 

of liberty, and animated by the heroism they neces- 
sarily inspire, the youthful Jacksox, espoused the 
cause of America, and was among the first who shoul- 
dered their muskets in opposition to British measures 
in the state of Georgia. 



LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 



CHAPTER II. 

Acts «« a volunteer in burning some British vessels . . . 
is appointed captain of a company of Light In- 
fantry, and aftertvards brigade major of the Geor- 
gia militia . . . joins General Sci'iven's detachment . . . 
Howe's defeat . . . Prison Ships . . . retires into 
South- Carolina and marches as a common sol- 
dier in General Moultrie's army . . . is taken up on 
suspicion of his being a spy . . . is in the storm of 
Savannah. 

THE military genius of Mr. Jacksou, panted 
for an opportunity of displaying itself. Nature had 
formed him an intrepid soldier, and he felt all the 
patriotism of a native American. Against the op- 
pressions and usurpations of the British monarchy 
he had offered his services, and in defence of the 
liberties of his adopted country he was prepared to 
sacrifice his life. 

The first opportunity that presented itself, and 
which opened a field for the display of his courage 
and ardor, was when Barclay and Grant proposed 
an attack on Savannah. 

The following account of that affair is extracted 
from some manuscript notes and memoirs, which 
have been placed in my hands. " The British force 
under Barclay arrived some time about the month 
of March, 1776, and came up as far as five fathom 
hole, where they remained some time and sounded 
the river. To the great surprize of the Georgians, 
who had never known the depth of water in the 




?(i bv J Gross from a ftiintingby W G. Coiurroe after Douglass 



^ 




a^^\^ 



JAMES JACKSON. 7 

back Savannah river, the British pushed up several 
heavy armed vessels, some of which went round 
Hutchinson's island, and came down the main Savan- 
nah river above the town, whilst the land forces 
under Maitland and Grant, were marched across the 
island, and placed on board the merchant vessels 
hauled on that side of the river. Fortunately for 
the town the armed vessels grounded on a bank 
opposite to Jonathan Bryan's, from whose plantation 
they were much annoyed by a company of riflemen 
commanded by Colonel Joseph Habersham, and 
might have been taken possession of, if that gallant 
officer could have procured a sufficient number of 
boats to have boarded them, as the men had been 
driven below by the Colonel's fire. In the mean 
time General Mcintosh, who commanded, dispatched 
Colonel Scriven to demand the return of a flag car- 
ried by Colonel Robarts and Major Demere. Col- 
onel Scriven was ordered to keep off and the flag 
denied. Colonel Scriven then fired, and in return 
received a volley from the British which almost sunk 
his boat, although but one man was wounded. A 
party of volunteers commanded by Major (afterwards 
Commodore) Bowen, next presented themselves, who 
were ordered to board the fleet and set it on fire. 
This was effected. A ship in flames was set adrift, 
but she grounded. The flames of a schooner spread 
destruction everywhere. The British soldiers en- 
tangled in the marsh with difficulty got ashore, with 
the loss of their cloaths and arms. 

Among the volunteers sent on this service, were 
John Morel, Thomas Hamilton, James Bryan, and 

C 



8 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

James Jackson." At this time, Jackson was not 
nineteen years of age, and the voluntary offer of his 
services in this bold exploit, not only evinced great 
firmness of character, but unequivocally confirmed 
the opinion entertained of his zeal and patriotism. 

At the attack of Tybee, his gallantry attracted 
the notice of Archibald Bulloch, Esq. then exer- 
cising the executive functions of the state, and 
whose thanks and approbation he had the honor to 
receive. (3) 

(3) Mr. Bulloch, was among the first of the friends of freedom 
in the state of Georgia. In his public character he zealously es- 
poused and supported all measures of patriotism or hostility, to 
the British usurpation. In June, 1776, he directed the then At- 
torney General, William Stevens, now Judge of the District of 
Georgia, to prosecute in behalf of the people of Georgia, instead 
of the old form which recognized a British Government. On this 
subject the following paper was addressed to him. 

In Provincial Congress, 
12th June, 1776. 
To his Excellency Archibald Bulloch, Esq. President and Cotnmand- 
er in Chief of the said Province. 

MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY, 

The congress having taken into consideration a letter 
to your Excellency from the Attorney General, stating several 
difficulties which arose in his mind, in regard to the carrying on 
of prosecutions in the Court of Sessions under our present consti- 
tution, beg leave to request your Excellency to acquaint Mr. At- 
torney General, that this house are of the opinion, that the same 
motives and reasons which compelled them for the security of 
persons and properties to vary in substance in part, from the old 
constitution under which we lived, will warrant the Judge of the 
Court of Sessions, to vary in form from the former precedents, so 
as to make form and substance reconcilable to each other ; and 
therefore we conceive, that the Attorney General under the whole 
of the constitution, will be warranted in making his indictment 
run in the beginning in this manner : " The grand jurors for the 
body of the province of Georgia upon their oath present", and in 
the conclusion in this manner, "against the peace of the province 



JAMES JACKSON. 9 

He was shortly afterwards appointed to the com- 
Tjnand of a volunteer company of Light Infantry ; 
but some discontents having taken place between 
himself and his men, in which he conceived a pro- 
per support was not afforded him by his Colonel, 

and the welfare of the inhabitants thereof." And that the judges 
in case of an exception taken by counsel for the prisoners will be 
bound to confirm and establish such form. 

We conceive there would be so great an absurdity in continuing 
indictments in the 7iame of the k'mg, when the courts are not con- 
vened by his authority, but from the necessity of our situation and 
circumstances, that it will be unnecessary to use any arguments 
to evince the propriety of this our determination ; nor can we ap- 
prehend, that such a variation as this can be considered as form- 
ing an independent state, either in Mr. Attorney General or us, 
• or going one step farther than the necessity of the case absolutely 
requires. 

By order of the Coiigress. 
(Signed) JOHN WEKEAT, Speaker. 

Writers on the American Revolution, have not done justice to 
the patriotic exertions of the people of this state, at this or any 
other period. At every step of the revolution, Georgia could 
boast of patriots, whose zeal conferred equal dignity on them- 
selves, and the cause they espoused. 

A faithful history of the revolution in this state, would rescue 
many actions and names from oblivion, which are entitled to the 
applause of the nation. The royal party was always strong, but 
composed of men whose attachment to any cause could not have 
added much lustre to it. Against these men the public indigna- 
tion has never slumbered, and the host upon the Georgia acts of 
confiscation and banishment afford the best evidence of the feel- 
ings and opinions of the Georgia patriots during, and after the 
revolution. The names of N. W". Jones, James Habersham, and 
William Gibbons, are subscribed to the acts which proscribe and 
banish the traitors of the revolution. 

The patriotism of Doctor N. W. Jones stood upon a rock which 
remained unshaken through the long course of his useful and vir- 
tuous life. He came to this state with Oglethorpe, and in 1805' 
at the advanced age of fourscore died a patriarch of liberty, and 
republicanism. 



10 LIFE OF MA JOB GENERAL 

he resigned this commaud about the time that the 
invasion of East Florida was resumed by General 
Howe. In this expedition however no laurels would 
have decorated the brows of the enterprising Jack- 
son. (4) 

In the latter part of the year 1778, he was ap- 
pointed brigade major of the Georgia militia. 

We are told by Dr. Ramsay, that while prepara- 
tions were making for the conjunct operations of 
Campbell and Prevest, as planned by Sir Henry 
Clinton, two bodies of armed men composed of 
regulars and militia, made a rapid and sudden in- 
cursion into the state of Georgia, from the province 
of East Florida. One of these came in boats through 
the inland navigation, and the other marched over 
land by the way of the Altamaha. The first divis- 
ion of these marauders demanded the surrender of 
Sunbury, but on receiving the Spartan answer, "come 
and take it," from the brave commandant (5) Lieu- 

(4) In the summer of 1778, an expedition was undertaken 
against East Florida. This was resolved upon with a double view 
of protecting the slate of Georgia from depredation, and of causing 
a diversion. Gen. Kobert Howe, who conducted it, had under his 
command ahout 2000 men, a few hundred of which were conti- 
nental troops, and the remainder militia of the states of South- 
Carolina and Georgia. They proceeded as far as St. Mary's river, 
and without any opposition of consequence. At this place the 
British had erected a fort, which in compliment to Tonyn, gov- 
ernor of the province, was called hy his name. On the approach 
of General Howe, they destroyed this fort, and after some slight 
skirmishing retreated towards St. Augustine. The season was- 
more fatal to the Americans t.han any opposition they received 
from their enemies. Sickness and death raged to such a degree 
that an immediate retreat hecame necessary; but before this was 
eflFected, they lost nearly one fourth of their whole number. 

Ramsay's Am. Rev. vol. 2, p. 95, 9G. 



JAMES JACKSON. 11 

tenant-Colonel Mcintosh, their views against this 
place were abandoned, and in the retreat to an adja- 
cent island, concealed their cowardice and disgrace. 
The second division pursued their march to Savan- 
nah. In their advance through the country every 
foot of ground was disputed with them by General 
Scriven's militia. In one of the eugasrements or 
skirmishes, with the enemy, that gallant chief lost his 
valuable life, and in all of them the courage of Major 
Jackson was as useful, as it was conspicuous. 

Doctor Eamsay in his account of the action in 
which General Scriven fell, states that he received 
a wound from a musket ball, in consequence of 
which he fell from his horse, and that after he fell 
several of the British came up, and upbraiding him 
with the manner in which Capt. Moore of Brown's 
Bangers had been killed, discharged their pieces at 
him. (6) 

My notes and memoirs afford me an account 
somewhat diiferent. They inform me, that the Gen- 
eral was on foot, reconnoitering in a thicket, on the 
left flank of the enemy's post on Spencer's Hill. On 
this spot an ambuscade had been formed, and he 
fell in the midst of it. Captain (7) Glascock a gal- 



(5) Lt. Col. John Mcintosh is nephew of General Lachlan Mc- 
intosh, and to the greatest personal courage unites that ardent 
devotion to republican principles, which have ever distinguished 
this branch of the Mcintosh family. 

(6) Kamsay's history of South-Carolina, p. 2. 

(7) Thomas Glascock, now a Brigadier General of the militia 
of Georgia. 



12 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

lant young officer was at his side and very narrowly 
escaped. 

The early death of General Scriven prevented a 
total defeat of the British. The party covering their 
right flank had been defeated by Major Baker, and 
their ambuscade, in which the General fell was driven 
and routed, by the well directed fire of Captain 
Young's field pieces, aided by some volunteers under- 
the command of Major Jackson. (8) In this action 
the gallant Captain Strother fell. 

The invasion of Georgia, by Lieutenant-Colonel 
Campbell, and the brilliant success which crowned 
his arms did as much honor to the military talents of 
that officer, as they effected disgrace upon the impo- 
tent exertions of the American commander. 

We do not assert, that by any combination of cir- 
cumstances. General Howe could have defeated the 
British, but we believe, that he could have made 
such an opposition to their landing as would have 
effected a junction with General Lincoln, which in 
all probability would have saved the western inhabi- 
tants. But Gen. Howe, as it has been emphatically 
said of him, was a general sui generis, and contemned 
the idea of taking an ungenerous advantage of an 
enemy. (9) 

Howe was advised to send some pieces of cannoa 
to Brewton's Hill, but he ridiculed the idea of the 
impending danger, and in the vain confidence of his 
own strength, and perhaps his wisdom, neglected or 
despised the salutary advice of his officers. 

(8) Ms. notes on Ramsay p. 2, 8. 

(9) Sketch of the life of General Elbert. 




En^avedby T.Ubaaii- 



IBIEKf^ilMIHl^ ILnKr(S©]LKro 




JAMES JACKSON. 13 

The eye of a military mau would at once have 
seen the importance of the Hill at the extremity of 
the Causeway .... it was the Thermopyloe of Savan- 
nah. To those in possession of local information, it 
appears sufficiently obvious, that great carnage and 
in all probability a serious repulse would have been 
the consequences of a judicious position of two pieces 
of well served artillery. It is painful, however, to 
dwell on the particular misconduct of Gen. Howe, 
or minutely to detail all the circumstances connected 
with an event so calamitous to Georgia. I am not 
writing a history of the revolution. It is therefore 
sufficient for me to observe, that never was there a 
victory more complete, than the British Col. Camp- 
bell had the honor to achieve, and never was a re- 
treat conducted with more precipitancy and confu- 
sion. It is the pride of Georgians however, that a 
soldierly resistance was made by a body of their 
militia, under the command of Col. George Walton, 
(10) who in facing the enemy was wounded, and 
taken prisoner. 

Instances of patriotism are recorded of the Ameri- 
can prisoners, which evince the virtuous heroism 
men are always inspired with in their struggles for 
republican liberty. '' We have been unfortunate in 
battle, (said they) but the chains of the victors, shall 

(10) Col. Walton received a wound in the thigh, which he ever 
afterwards felt inconvenience from. This gentleman during the 
whole of the revolution maintained a high reputation for his firm- 
ness and patriotism. He was deputed to the Congress of 1776, 
and shared in the glory of signing the declaration of Indepen- 
dence. 

As a Judge of the Superior Courts of Georgia, he evinced great 
acuteness and learning He died in the year 1804, 



14 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

not humble the independency of our character, or 
compel us to abdicate our duty to our country." 

Resolutely refusing to enlist into the service of 
his Britannic majesty, they were crowded on board 
of his prison ships; and in those receptacles of misery 
and pestilence the heroes were swept away by disease 
and famine Even the hour of death did not res- 
cue them from the brutal sufferings of the British 
soldiery .... The words " rebel scoundrels," resounded 
in their ears in the last moments of their tortures. 
Frequently a drop of water was refused to an expir- 
ing patriot, and the savage Tait, commander of the 
Nancy Prison Ship, always expressed the satis- 
faction he felt, in contemplating the dead body of a 
prisoner, whose death had been accelerated by his 
cruelties. This nautical Calligula, had been heard 
to wish, that he had the power to inflict the same 
death and tortures on " the rebel Congress, and the 
whole of their rebel adherents." Such was the char- 
acters to whom the magnanimity of a British officer, 
had consigned the custody and treatment of the 
American prisoners! (11) 

Dr. Ramsay has pathetically described the fate of 
Allen, who lost his life in a bold attempt to escape 
from his terrible confinement. These were Geor- 
gians, however his fellow prisoners, who envied his 
fate, and would cheerfully have embraced it. Death 

(11) The following list contains the names of the prison ships 
and their commanders : 

Nancy — Captain Samuel Tait, 

"Whitby — Captain Lawson, 

Eleanor Hospital Ship — Captain Kathbone, 

The Munificence — Captain 
Rathbone, was considered a man of some humanity — The rest 
were monsters. 



JAMES JACKSON. 15 

was preferable to the horrors of their loathsome con- 
finement, or to the ease and liberation that would 
immediately have accompanied a political apostacy. 

(12) 

It was the good fortune of Jackson to escape from 
captivity and a prison ship ; but the possession of 

(12) Among those who were co-prisoners of the Rev. Moses 
Allen, (who united the incompatible characters of a soldier and a 
divine) and who survived their confinement, it affords me pleas- 
ure to mention the names of the Honorable Jonathan Bryan, 
Mordecai Sheftall, deputy commissary general of issues to the 
continental troops for the state of Georgia-his son Sheftall 
Sheftall, deputy commissary of the Georgia line, Edward Davies, 
Esq. Dr. George Wells, David Moses Vallotton and James Bryan, 
son of Jonathan Bryan. 

Jonathan Bryan had been distinguished for his opposition to 
British measures from the time of the stamp act. He was dis- 
missed from the king's council for his spirited behaviour, and 
after his dismission received an handsome piece of plate from the 
citizens descriptive of his firmness and patriotism. 

At the commencement of the revolution he had been particu- 
larly active. He had been in the council of safety, the convention 
and state congresses. To have such a man in their possession was 
an object with the British commanders, and accordingly, three 
nights after the reduction of Savannah, Lt. Clarke of the Phenix, 
or Eowey man of war and a party of armed men were dispatched 
up Union creek to his plantation in South Carolina, took him and 
his son James, prisoners, and placed them on board one of the 
prison ships. 

Mrs. Morel, now Mrs. Wylly, his daughter, a lady as remark- 
able at that time for her beauty, as for her other accomplishments, 
waited upon commodore Hyde Parker, and upon her knees so- 
licited the release of her aged father. The unfeeling commodore 
denied her supplication. The venerable patriot and his son James 
were sent to New York, and after remaining a considerable time 
on board a prison ship, were placed on Long Island with the 
American prisoners. At the age of 80, he was exchanged, and 
behaved with all the gallantry of youth in Wayne's engagement 
with Brown. 

D 



16 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

Savannah, having cut off all his little resources, he 
was now compelled to fly before the triumphant ene- 
my, and to encounter all the privations and distresses 
of a pennyless and destitute soldier. Jackson's mind 
however, was not of a common complexion .... forti- 
fied by the courage of a soldier, he was enabled to 
combat with the wants of the man. The capture or 
dispersion of the Georgia militia having taken from 
him the duties of an officer, he did not disdain to as- 
sume the station of a common soldier. 

When Prevost crossed the Savannah river, Jack- 
son was in the camp of Moultrie, and in that Ge- 
neral's retreat marched as a common soldier from 
Purisburgh to Dorchester. Among other adven- 
tures of " this bare foot expedition " (as he stiles it 
in one of his papers) he was arrested by a party of 
South-Carolina militia, and had nearly suffered an 
ignominious death under a suspicion that he was a 
spy. A strange suspicion to be attached to the pa- 
triotic Jackson, who was at that moment affording 
the most convincing proofs of his zeal in the cause 
of American liberty ! A release and apology imme- 
diately accompanied the knowledge of his character 
and services. 

In the seige and storm of Savannah, he in com- 
mon with the Georgians, behaved with his usual gal- 
lantry. 

The officers of Georgia who had not commands 
formed themselves into a volunteer corps under Col. 
Marbury, and lead the advance of Huger's column. 




MA.IOK (.1;N1.1{\I. Wll.llAM MOl I.IIMI, 




JAMES JACKSON. 17' 

In this corps it is supposed Major Jackson had en- 
rolled himself. (13) 

(13) Not much is said of the Georgia militia in any history of 
this assault, although many of them were slain. Many officers 
who were Georgians covered themselves with glory. — Among the 
killed were Mr. Jno. Jones, one of the aids of Gen. Mcintosh, 
Charles Price, a gentleman of splendid professional abilities, and 
Lieut. Baillie. It is said, Jones and Baillie went into action with 
a full presentiment, or belief, that it would prove fatal to them, 
yet notwithstanding this discouraging impression they fought and 
died like heroes. — Lieut. Edward Lloyd, another Georgian, but in 
the service of South-Carolina, had his right arm carried away by 
a cannon shot, and whilst the surgeon was dressing the shattered 
stump, observed to Major Jackson, who held him in his arms; 
" that as bad as such a prospect presented to so young a man, he 
would rather be in his, than in Captain Stedman's situation;" an 
officer who had evinced cowardice, or deserted his post on the- 
morning of the assault. Major Jno. Lucas, aid to Gen. Mcintosh, 
was also a Georgian, and greatly distinguished himself. After the 
storm he was sent by Gen. Lincoln with a flag to agree on the 
terms for burying the dead, and receiving and exchanging the- 
wounded. 



18 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

CHAPTER III. 

Duel ivith Lt. Governor Wells .... Battle of Black- 
stocks .... Battle of the Cowpens .... Defeat at Tor- 
rans's Taver-n .... Services in Gen. Pickens's bri- 
gade .... Returns to Georgia, and joins Colonel 
Baker. 

FROM the field of battle, the impetuosity of 
Major Jackson's character easily led him into the 
field of private honor. 

In the year 1780, he fought a duel with Lieut. 
Governor Wells, in which combat Mr. Wells lost his 
life, and Major Jackson was badly wounded in both 
of his knees. 

I know not the grounds of this unfortunate duel. 
Among the papers of General Jackson, I discover, 
that he laments the necessity of the meeting, which 
he says was imposed upon him by the " overbear- 
ing disposition of the Lieut. Governor ; " but the 
circumstances of the catastrophe are not detailed. 
We only know, that they went upon the ground 
without seconds, and fought at the desperate distance 
of a few feet. 

Recovering from his dangerous wounds he re- 
treated with Governor Howley through the state of 
South Carolina, then in complete possession of the 
British. (14) 

(14) Williamson (I always suppose, tbat the reader has perused 
the history of South-Carolina by Dr. Kamsay, without a knowl- 
edge of which the character of this pseudo-patriot and traitor, as 
well as the detail of the principal revolutionary events, I have 
attempted to connect with the life of Gen. Jackson, must be in a 
great measure obscure and unintelligible) at this time endeavored 



JAMES JACKSON. 19 

In August 1780, he joined Col. Clarke's camp, and 
was in the celebrated action of Blackstocks. " On 
the 20th of this month, General Surapter was attacked 
at Blackstocks near Tyger river, by Lieut. Col. 
Tarleton at the head of a considerable party. 

to persuade the governor and council of Georgia, to remain at 
Augusta, under circumstances which induced a belief that it was 
his intention to betray them. He concealed his intelligence of 
the fall of Charleston, and from his after conduct, and the employ- 
ment of suspicious characters about him, little doubt can be enter- 
tained of his treasonable intrigues with Sir Henry Clinton. The 
person employed by him as an express to Charleston, Martin 
Wetheford was well known to be in the British interest. His 
secretary, Malcomb Brown, was also known to be disaffected to 
America. Kichard Howley, who was now governor of Georgia, 
knowing that he had nothing to expect from British mercy if 
taken prisoner, and guided by his apprehensions, or probably his 
anxiety to take his seat in congress, which the state foreseeing the 

storm, had given him permission to do prudently as it turned 

out, determined an evacuation of the state. This determination 
he carried into operation a week after the surrender of Charleston, 
and very narrowly escaped a detachment which Cornwallis had 
sent in pursuit of him. The continental and state officers of Geor- 
gia retreated with the governor, and formed his guard : for the 
situation of the militia was such, that those who were disposed to 
go off immediately under Col. Twiggs had determined to carry 
with them the little property they possessed. The militia under 
Col. Clarke, influenced by the subtle advice of Williamson, stood 
their ground in Wilkes county, as did also the president of the 
council, the Hon. Stevens Heard, and a sufficient number to form 
a board; but finding themselves deceived (as has been related by 
Williamson) they also at last retreated. 

President Heard, the Hon. Myricli Davies, and some others of 
the council animated the militia by their presence . . . .underwent 
every difficulty with the troops, and were in most of the several 
actions in which the Georgia militia were engaged. 

So much was the money of the state at this time depreciated, 
that it actually cost the state an half million of dollars to effect 
the retreat, and to defray Governor Howley's expenses to Phila- 
delphia. 

Ms. notes, 14, 15, 16. 



20 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

The action was severe and obstinate. The killed 
and wounded of the British was considerable. Among 
the former were three officers, Major Money, Lieu- 
tenants Gibson and Cope. 

The Americans lost very few ; but Gen. Sumpter 
received a wound, which for many months ' inter- 
rupted his gallant enterprizes, in behalf of the state.' 
His zeal and activity, in animating the American 
militia, when they were discouraged by repeated de- 
feats, and the bravery and good conduct he displayed 
in sundry attacks on the British detachments procured 
him the applause of his countrymen, and thanks of 
Congress." (15) 

This is the account given of the combat by Dr. 
Ramsay. 

It is not my intention to diminish that blaze ot 
glory, which encompasses the revolutionary exploits 
of the gallant Sumpter: but it is thought that Dr. 
Ramsay's account does not give a proper share of 
credit to the valor of the Georgia militia, and their 
officers. 

It is true, that Sumpter commanded at the com- 
mencement of the action, but that wound, which the 
historian says, interrupted for several months " his 
gallant enterprizes" compelled his early retirement 
from the field of battle. Intelligence of the unfor- 
tunate event was communicated to Major Jackson, 
and through him the oldest Georgia officer was re- 
quested to take the command. It devolved upon Col. 



(15) llev. of South-Carolina, vol. 2. 187. 




d 'by- G-. Parker -feaaia drawing' IrrW GAmLnrcmg" afieriJie on^iuJ. Ponrait"brCWTeale 



MMi(2J(0)Ili (SrHSmiR^SilL SI5I®SEiiS SWMUPIlIEo 




JAMES JACKSON. 21 

Twiggs, and to this officer is due all the glory of the 
victory that ensued. 

It is said that the brave Surapter before he quitted 
the field, had ordered the Georgians to advance. 

It is well ascertained, that in front the Georgia 
Wilkes county regiment performed prodigies of 
valour, and that Col. Lisle of South-Carolina, and 
Candler of Georgia, turned the British flanks. 

The authority from which I have derived these 
additional facts, also inform me that the British made 
upwards of twenty charges with their dragoons, and 
were as repeatedly repulsed. 

The dexterity of some of the Georgia Wilkes 
county riflemen was truly astonishing. 

Instances are mentioned of a rifleman killing a 
dragoon in front, then falling on the ground, load- 
ing his rifle, and killing another dragoon who had 
charged him in the rear. 

In a note to Cornwallis, (which Major Jackson 
intercepted, and long obtained the possession of) 
Tarletou attempts to cover his disgrace in this action, 
by informing his lordship that he had come up with, 
and cut to pieces the rebel rear guard. 

This rear guard was however nothing more than 
small reconnoitering party commanded by Captain 
Patrick Carr, who had taken prisoners some tories 
and mill-boys. On sight of the British, Carr, as he 
had been ordered, retreated to make a report, leav- 
ing the wretched tories at the mercy of Col. Tarl- 
ton. (IG) 

(16) Marshall also swells this reconnoitering party into a rear 
guard. 

Life of Washington, vol. 4. 331. 



22 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

Their loyalty did not save them from the sabres of 
his dragoons .... they were cut to pieces, which saved 
them probably from a milder fate, than Carr had re- 
served for them. (17) 

Twiggs remained on the field of battle two hours 
after it had ended, and detached Major Jackson after 
the British, who captured and brought off thirty of 
their horses. The British force consisted of 700 
men, the greatest part of whom were regulars. The 
Americans brought into action only 420 militia, as 
appears from a comparison of the returns of Major 
Jackson, and the Brigade Major of General Sumpter. 

(17) This was the famous Patrick or Paddy Carr, the scourge 
and terror of the tories, who had in battle, or in cold blood killed 
more than one hundred with his oivn hand. On being one day 
praised for his soldier-like conduct, he coolly replied, he would 
have made "a good soldier, but nature had tormed his heart too 
tender and compassionate." This singular man was never heard 
to utter blasphemy or an oath, and he was never agitated by 
passion. — A friend informs me, that one of the fellow-soldiers of 
Carr, (I think his name was Carter) in a moment o^ fool hardi- 
ness, had determined to put Carr's personal firmness to the test, 
who had said, that he never felt the influence of fear. A keg of 
gun-powder was procured, near which Carr was requested to seat 
himself This he obeyed with the utmost apathy and composure, 
and a lighted candle was applied to the powder by Carter. The 
providence of God interposed and prevented the dreadful explo- 
sion. The powder was snatched away and destroyed by some 
people who accidentally came up. — Carr, in the meantime calmly 
surveyed the means adopted to save him from destruction, and 
turning to Carter asked him if "he was now convinced, that 
Patrick Carr, was insensible to fear." . . . . An enthusiast in the 
cause of American liberty, he had conceived the most dreadful 
and implacable hatred against the tories. Their desertion of prin- 
ciples which he held so sacred, entitled them upon his political 
hypothesis, to no kind of mercy or indulgence. Whether there- 
fore as prisoners, or as enemies in battle he gave them no quar- 
ters. He hunted them down like wild beasts, and permitted no 
asylum to protect them. — In all other respects his character was- 
amiable and benevolent. 




U.S. A. 



M©IE8.©AMo 



^ 




JAMES JACKSON. 23 

The British lost ia killed 92, and upwards of 100 
wounded — among our brave countrymen, Sumpter 
and two others were wounded, and one killed. (18) 

The conduct of Major Jackson in this action gained 
him a high and well earned reputation among the 
militia of South-Carolina and Georgia. 

Such .was his influence and popularity at this pe- 
riod, and such was the unbounded confidence re- 
posed in, him, that he more than once after Colo- 
nel Clarke, had been disabled by a wound at Long 
Cane, saved his camp from a total abandonment. (19) 

From the field of Blackstocks we will next con- 
duct Major Jackson to the battle of the Cowpens, in 
which he acquired much glory and the marked appro- 
bation of Gen. Morgan. 

The details of this battle are in the possession of 
every one. It is only my duty to advert to them 
as they may be immediately connected with tiie par- 
ticular conduct of Major Jackson. The day preced- 
ing this memorable engagement, the gallant Mor- 
gan was joined by the militia under the command 
of Pickens. — Morgan was then at the Cowpens, and 

(18) Tarleton in his campaigns informs us that upwards of 150 
of the Americans were killed. This added to the rebel rear guard 
which he had the honor of cutting to pieces must have made great 
havoc indeed! 

Such a number of killed must of course too, have included a 
vast number of wounded. 

The fact is however, the British lost in killed and wounded 192 
— Gen. Marshall computes the American loss at 3 killed and 4 
wounded — Life of "Washington, vol. 4. p. 333: but the fact again 
is, that only three were wounded, and one killed, Rogers of the 
Georgia Wilkes county militia. 

(19) I collect this from the papers of Gen. Jackson. 

E 



24 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

had resolved to give battle to the enemy. The 
Georgia (20) and South-Carolina militia were incor- 
porated, and placed under the command of Pickens, 
•who appointed Major Jackson, Brigade Major of the 
uhole. 

On this day he had the honor to receive the sword 
of Major McArthur of the British infantry, whom 

(20) The following address had been delivered to Major Jack- 
son, to be distributed among the Georgians then scattered and 
dispersed in the back parts of South-Carolina, and enjoying a 
temporary respite after the action of Long Cane, in which Col. 
Clarke was so severely wounded as to be obliged to retire from 
his command. 

This animated address, which appealed so forcibly to the feel- 
ings, the courage and patriotism of the Georgians, soon collected 
them. They formed the front line of the battle of the Cowpens, 
tind in receiving the first shock of the enemy, behaved with firm- 
ness and gallantry. 

To THE EeFUGEES OF GEORGIA ! 

GENTLEMEN, 

Having heard of your sufferings, j'our attachment to the 
-cause of freedom, and your gallantry and address in action, I had 
formed to myself the pleasing idea of receiving in you, a great 
and valuable acquisition to my force. Judge then of my disap- 
pomtment, when I find you scattered about in parties subjected to 
no orders, nor joining in any general plan to promote the public 
service. The recollection of your past achievements, and the 
prospect of future laurels should prevent your acting in such a 
manner for a moment. Tou have gained a character and why 
should you risk the loss of it for the most trifling gratifications. 
You must know, that in your present situation, you can neither 
provide for your safety nor assist me in annoying the enemy. Let 
me then entreat you by the regard you have for your fame, and 
bv your love to your country, to repair to my camp, and subject 
yourselves to order and discipline. I will ask you to encounter 
Tio dangers or difficulties, but what I shall participate in. Should 
it be thought advisable to form detachments, you may rely on be- 
ing employed on that business, if it is more agreeable to your 
wishes: but it is absolutely necessary, that your situation and 
movements should be known to me, so that I may be enabled to 



JAMES JACKSON. 25 

be conducted to Gen. Morgan, and to receive the 
thanks of the General on the field of battle, for his 
useful and conspicuous services during the engage- 
ment. Major Jackson's name is not mentioned in 
General Morgan's report of meritorious officers, an 
omission which has been attributed to the inattention 
of his aid, Major Giles. (21) 

At a time when his revolutionary services were 
supposed to have been exaggerated by the partiality 
of his friends, he requested and obtained from Gen. 
Pickens the following letter and certificate, which 
placed his military merit in the battle of the Cow- 
pens, and other occasions, beyond the reach of illib- 
eral misrepresentation. 

Long Cane, February Qth, 1797. 
Dear Sir, 

Understanding that some attacks have been 
made on your military reputation, by some of your 
enemies in Georgia, it is with sincere pleasure and 
satisfaction, that I have it in my power to send you 
the enclosed certificate, having been witness to what 
is there declared. 

Accept my sincere wishes for your happiness, and welfare, 
and am, 

With much respect, 

Dear Sir, Yours, 
(Signed) ANDREW PICKENS. 

Gen. James Jackson. 

direct them in such a manner, that they may tend to the advan- 
tage of the whole. 

I am Gentlemen, with every sentiment of regard 
Your obedient Servant 
(Signed) DANIEL MOEGAN. 

Camp on Pacolet, January ith, 1781." 

(21) I find this asserted in a Ms, sketch of Gen. Jackson's life. 
p. 3. 



26 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

" I hereby certify and declare, that Major, now 
General Jackson, and a party of Georgia militia,, 
were under my command at the battle of the Cow- 
pens, in South Carolina, on the 17th January, 1781, 
and that the said militia acquitted themselves equal- 
ly well, with the other forces on that memorable day. 
Major Jackson acted as my Brigade Major, and by 
his example and firm active conduct greatly contrib- 
uted to ANIMATE THE TROOPS, AND ENSURE THE 
SUCCESS OF THE DAY. 

I further declare, that Gen. Morgan was highly 
satisfied with Major Jackson's conduct, and am cer- 
tain that it must have been owing to accident, or 
mistake, that his name was not returned to Congress, 
as one of the officers who particularly signalized 

themselves at the Cowpens The Major having 

in the face of the whole army run the utmost risk of 
his life, in seizing the Colors of the 71st British 
regiment, and afterwards introducing Major McAr- 
thur, commanding officer of the British infiintry, as a 
prisoner of war to Gen. Morgan. 

I further declare, that Major Jackson's conduct 
during a severe tour of duty in North Carolina, in 
the face of Lord Cornwallis's army, whilst the bri- 
gade I had the command of was attached to the 
light troops of General Greene's army, was such as 
merited, and gained not only my approbation, but 
that of Major General Greene, who determined from 
that period to give Major Jackson the command of a 
State Corps, which was soon after raised by direction 
of General Greene. 

At the seige of Augusta Major Jackson's exertions, . 
in the early period of the seige laid the ground 



JAMES JACKSON. 27 

work for the reduction of that place. He led one 
of the advanced parties as Capt. Rudolph did another, 
at the storming of Grierson's fort, and had the com- 
mand of a moving battery, at the time of the surren- 
der of Fort George, in which he conducted with 
honor to himself and his country. 
Certified this Qth February, 1797. 
(Signed) ANDREW PICKENS, 

Brigadier General. 

After the signal victory of the Cowpens, Morgan 
hastened with his trophies and prisoners to cross the 
Catawba. 

The historian informs us, that the interposition 
of a flood of rain checked the eager pursuit of Corn- 
wallis, and gave time to the American chief not 
only to place his trophies and prisoners beyond the 
reach of the enemy, but to indulge his soldiers with 
the short repose they had so nobly deserved. The 
act of God had thus retarded the rapid movements of 
the pursuing British ; but the fords of the Catawba 
being at length practicable, Cornwallis made his 
preparations to force a passage. 

The ford at Mr. Cowen's was the point to which 
his principal attention was directed. There the brave 
General Davidson and a body of North Carolina 
militia had posted themselves. 

The fall of this commander was the signal for the 
dispersion of the militia. They fled, and were pur- 
sued by Tarleton, who obtaining information that 
a party of militia had collected at Torran's tavern, 
ten miles from Mr. Cowen's ford, moved off" thither 
with his dragoons to surprize, and attack them. 



28 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

The assault of the cavalry was immediate and im- 
petuous .... the militia assembled there were dis- 
persed, and fifty of them slaughtered. 

Major Jackson had crossed the Catawba with 
Morgan, and in this skirmish displayed great per- 
sonal courage in many bold attempts to rally the 
broken ranks of the militia .... The perils he en- 
countered this day induced a belief that he had been 
slain, and he was accordingly reported to Gen. Mor- 
gan, as one of the killed. 

His conduct in Gen. Pickens's brigade, in the 
whole of its severe duty in North Carolina has been 
already noticed in the certificate of that General. It 
met the approbation of General Greene, and the merit 
and gallantry which attracted the notice of that wise 
and illustrious commander, could have been of no 
ordinary complexion. 

The battle of Guildford had completely reversed 
the destinies of the two armies. The British were 
left in possession of the field, but that was the only 
" positive good " (as it is expressed by the historian) 
derived from their victory .... Greene was prepared 
to renew the combat. Corn wa His had taken his 
measures to seek security in a retreat. Such was the 
victory of Guildford ! 

Disappointed in his expectation of bringing on 
another general action by a further pursuit of the 
victorious enemy, Greene, halted and deliberated, the 
result of which was a determination to re-commence 
hostilities in South-Carolina. This determination, 
bold and happily conceived, offered to Cornwallis the 
alternative of again following him, or of abandoning 



JAMES JACKSON. 29 

the British garrisons iu the back parts of South- 
Carolina and Georgia. 

The resolution being formed of making South- 
Carolina the seat of war, Gen. Pickens, received or- 
ders to collect the militia of his brigade, and to inter- 
cept and destroy all convoys and supplies intended 
for the jjosts of Ninety-six and Augusta. But at 
THIS TIME Col. Baker had undertaken an expedition 
against the upper country of Georgia, upon intel- 
ligence of which Maj. Jackson, left South-Carolina, 
and repaired to the standard of that officer. 



30 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 



CHAPTER IV. 

Arrives hi Georgia .... He-crosses Savajinah Hiver, 
and assists in organizing a body of militia .... 
Keeps Baker's militia together in the vicinity of 
Augusta .... Siege of Augusta .... Appointed to the 
command of a Legion, and commandant of Au- 
gusta .... Quells a revolt of his Legion .... Sw- 
prizes the fort at Ogechee .... Attacks and defeats 
the British militia, at Butler s house .... Action 
ivith CampheWs cavalry .... Commands the advance 
corps of General Wayne's army .... Destroys one 
of the Bi'itish Magazines .... Spares a body of 
Tories .... Action of the 23c^ 3Iay .... Enters the 
City of Savannah. 



AFTER engaging all the difficulties and dan- 
gers of a passage through an hostile country, Maj. 
Jackson arrived in Georgia, and was immediately 
ordered with the gallant Maj. Samuel Hammond to 
re-cross into South-Carolina, and to organize the 
militia on that side of the Savannah river. Two 
hundred and fifty men were collected by these offi- 
cers, and the command given to col. Leroy Ham- 
mond. The British had now lost six of their Posts : 
and the next object of the Americans was the reduc- 
tion of the garrisons of Ninety-six, and Augusta. 

Lee, was ordered to proceed against Augusta, 
whilst the siege of Ninety-six was to be conducted 
under the immediate eve of General Greene. 




Engassd'byJ CButtre 



'.m-U SAMHTEl- ^AMMOT''' 



JAMES JACKSON. 31 

Some weeks however before this plan of operations 
had been adopted, col. Baker and his militia were 
in the vicinity of, and had invested the post at Au- 
gusta .... Worn out with fatigue .... in want of al- 
most every necessary of life .... and despairing of 
any speedy re-inforcement from the army of Gen- 
eral Greene, this body of militia began to give them- 
selves up to despondency, and had formed the de- 
termination of abandoning their camp. Intelligence 
of this determination being conveyed to Major 
Jackson, he immediately hastened to the camp, and 
by his influence and address prevailed with the offi- 
cers to postpone their intended secession until he had 
an opportunity of haranguing the soldiers. 

On similar occasions he had been accustomed to 
address the militia on horseback, and this method he 
now adopted to re-animate the droojjing spirits of his 
fellow soldiers. 

The militia being assembled he proceeded to point 
out to them " the miseries they had endured .... 
the cruelties and insults inflicted on their families 
by Brown and Grierson .... cruelties which their 
dispersion would only tend to renew. He told 
them, that vengeance was now within their reach, 
and to give up the opportunity of obtaining it, was 
giving up their pretensions to the character of brave 
soldiers .... was sacrificing their feelings and duties, 
as citizens .... as sons, fathers, and husbands." .... 
This plain and manly eloquence had the desired 
effect. The Major was saluted with the acclamations 
of this gallant band of Georgians, who unanimously 

F 



32 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

expressed a resolution to conquer or die on the 
ground they occupied. 

Colonel Baker having resigned his command, it 
was assumed by Major Jackson, who commenced his 
operations against the garrison. He had prepared 
fascines .... mounted a nine pounder, and was ready 
to break ground before Grierson's fort, when Colonel 
Clarke and Picken's arrived, who resumed the com- 
mand. Colonel Lee appeared a fortnight afterwards. 
It would seem therefore, that the seige was greatly 
advanced by the Georgians, before Lee in obedience 
to his orders had appeared before the place, the re- 
duction of which was decidedly accelerated by the 
accession of the militia, kept together by the firmness 
and energy of Major Jackson. 

The manuscript notes I have so often referred to, 
(and which are authenticated by the signatures of 
Generals Clarke and Twiggs) state, that if this body 
of militia had dispersed, " Brown would have been 
secure." 

I shall leave the final adjustment of this point to 
the military men of that day. It is not my inten- 
tion to detract from the fame of any of our heroes, 
which I do not suppose will suffer any diminution 
from the celebrity so deservedly acquired during this 
siege, by Major Jackson. 

These facts have not occupied the attention of 
the historian ; but if it has been deemed important 
to detail the operations of this seige, neither the 
brave Clarke, Major Jackson, or the Georgians 
should have been neglected and forgotten. The 
certificate of General Picken's attones however for 




laiiMiET.-JLJiii 




JAMES JACKSON. 33- 

historical omissions, so far as they relate to the par- 
ticular services of Major Jackson. The General 
with great honor to his candor and liberality, admits 
that Major Jackson's exertions at the early period 
of the seige, Jaid the ground work for the reduction 
of the post ; that he led one of the advance parties, 
as Captain Rudolph did another, at the storm of 
Grierson's fort ; and that he had the command of 
a moving battery at the time of the surrender of fort 
George, which he conducted with honor to himself 
and country. 

At this period agreeably to a promise made him, 
when attached to Pickens's brigade, he received from 
Gen. Greene, a Colonels commission for a Partisan 
Legion, which his well established popularity, in- 
fluence and bravery enabled him to fill in the course 
of a few days. He was also appointed commandant 
of Augusta .... Rawdon had received a reinforcement 
and was in full march to the relief of Ninety-six. 
Greene receiving intelligence of his approach had at 

one time determined to meet, and give him battle 

and accordingly made exertions to draw together 
such aids of militia, as would enable him to execute 
that intention. The following orders were sent to 
Col. Jackson. 

Camp before 96, January 17th, 1781. 
Dear Sir, 

I wrote you the 15th, which I hope got safe 
to hand. Official information is just received, that 
yesterday morning the enemy were 12 miles above 
Orangeburgh on their way here ; and Gen. Greener 



34 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

has ordered me to write you to collect all the men 
you possibly can, and join the army without loss of 
time, or if it is more convenient to you to join 
Colonel Leroy Hammond, between this, and the 
Kidge. It is the Generals express orders, that you 
level the fortifications at Augusta, and he expects, 
that your own prudence will point out what is best 
to be done with the Artillery. 

Your Ob't. 
(Signed) ANDREW PICKENS. 

Lieut. Col. James Jackson. 

In obedience to these orders, Col. Jackson, made 
an effort to join the army, but a march of thirty 
miles convinced him that it M-as impracticable. 

Cut oif, and separated from the army, which had 
now retired from before Ninety-Six, Col. Jackson, 
was not dismayed by the alarming features of his 
situation. He formed the resolution, to return and 
keep possession of Augusta. 

. He after.wards marched into Wilkes county to 
succour tb;e militia and inhabitants under Colonel 
Clarke, who were menaced by the garrison of Ninety- 
Six, and the tories of South-Carolina. 

He maintained the Post at Augusta, until a Le- 
gislature was convened there in August 1781, when 
Nathan Brownson was elected Governor, and Col. 
Twiggs in consideration of his gallant services was at 
the same time appointed a Brigadier General. 

In September, the General, with the Legion of 
Colonel Jackson in advance, took a position mid- 




^^ j^ .'^.viw IPS©; 



H^i^^ 



.-6'O'T.t^ 



JAMES JACKSON. 35 

way between Augusta and Savannah, from whence 
he was engaged in perpetual skirmishes with the 
enemy. Some short time previous to the march of 
the militia from Augusta, British emissaries had 
nearly effected a revolt in Colonel Jackson's Legion. 
Intelligence of these intrigues, were communicated to 
the Colonel by his servant David Davis, one of his 
dragoons, who by affecting an animosity against the 
Colonel, obtained a full knowledge of the intended 
mutiny. 

Their plan was to bayonet the Colonel in his bed, 
which service was to have been performed by his 
own quarter guard .... to murder the principal offi- 
cers, and to conduct the Governor to the British in 
Savannah. 

Not a moment was now to be lost .... every thing 
depended upon an instantaneous boldness and de- 
cision. 

The Colonel sent immediate orders to his dra- 
goons not engaged in the conspiracy to repair to him. 
On their arrival, he ordered the infantry to turn out 
without arms, under the pretence of receiving cloath- 
ing, and in this situation he came in full charge upon 
them with his dragoons. 

A court martial was convened and the ringleaders 
executed. (22) Such were the happy effects produced 
by this austere discipline, that ever afterwards the 



(22) The honest Davis was not neglected. The state rewarded 
his fidelity with the gift of 500 acres of land, a horse, saddle and 
bridle. 



•36 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

greatest confidence was reposed iu the fidelity and 
bravery of the infantry. (23) 

In November 1781, General Twiggs detached Col. 
Jackson, with Stalliugs's dragoons, M'Kay's rifle- 
men, and Carr's volunteer dragoons, to surprize the 
British fort at Ogechee ferry. This service was per- 
formed with great address and secrecy. 

The attack of the white house, was conducted with 

the same caution and success a surrender almost 

immediately followed the appearance of the Ameri- 
cans : but the glory of this brilliant exploit was soon 
obscured by the rash and sanguinary act of Captain 
Carr, who killing one of the British officers after the 
surrender, the rest resumed their arms, and retiring 
to a fortified house, compelled the Colonel to relin- 
guish his prize. 

The next object which presented itself was the 
strong post of militia established at Butler's house 
under the command of a Captain Goldsmith. 

This post was carried by assault, and the whole of 
the British party killed or captured. 

A few hours after the reduction of this post, the 
battle was renewed with the whole force of Colonel 
Campbell's cavalry. 

The situation of Col. Jackson was now critical and 
alarming. 

No contest could have been more unequal. 
M'Kay's riflemen had left him to collect the spoils 
of their preceding victories ; and the defection of 
these men had now reduced his force to 49 of Stal- 



(23) Ms. notes on Ramsay, p. 30. 



JAMES JACKSON. 37 

lings aud Carr's dragoons, and eight dismounted 
militia under the command of Captain William 
Greene. With this small force he had to combat 
with 85 British dragoons well accoutered and equip- 
ped. (24) 

Greene's men were ordered to advance in front of 
a hammoc-thicket, which covered the dragoons. 

This little baud having received the first shock 
of the British horse, the dragoons of Jackson im- 
mediately charged aud broke the centre of their 
column. The British cavalry fled and were pur- 
sued .... but being stopped by a fence, they rallied 
and formed. The American dragoons slowly re- 
tired. The British did not think it prudent to re- 
follow them. 

The enemy lost in killed and wounded 42 officers 
and privates, within seven of the whole force of the 
American dragoons ; whose loss amounted to six 
killed and seven wounded and five taken prisoners, 
among whom was Captain Bugg of the Legion. 

This action being represented to Gen. Greene, 
he wrote a letter to Governor Brownson, in which 
he applauds in high terms the gallantry of Colonel 
Jackson, and promised to communicate it to con- 
gress. 



(24) For his arms and accoutrements, Colonel Jackson was en- 
tirely dependant upon the skill and industry of his own men. 
On the back of a letter addressed to him by Thomas Hamilton 
one of the officers of his infantrj', he makes this comment, "I 
made all my own accoutrements, even to swords for my dra- 
goons, caps, leather jackets, boots and spurs, and in short every 
article." 



38 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

The advantages of this action were experienced 
after General Wayne came to Georgia, for the Bri- 
tish cavalry were ever afterwards extremely cautious 
in their combats with the American dragoons. (25) 
Until the arrival of Wayne, (2G) whom he was 
ordered to join at Ebenezer, after the services we 
have just mentioned, Colonel Jackson was advanced 
with his corps for the protection of the country 
low in Burke county. Having effected a junction 
with General Wayne, that General appointed him 
to the command of his advance corps. There were 
older officers who expected this command, it was 
therefore supposed that the hand of Gen. Greene 
was seen in this promotion, and that it was given to 
Col. Jackson in consequence of that General's partic- 
ular request. 

In this station he acquitted himself with his ac- 
customed boldness and euterprize. His party was 
generally 12 miles in advance of the army, fre- 
quently skirmishing wath the enemy, and sustain- 
ing all the hardships of want, nakedness and a de- 
solated country. Yet these sufferings w^ere borne 
without a murmur, by this intrepid officer, and his 
gallant legion. To the most daring attempts on the 
British parties, a vigilance and caution were united, 
which always prevented a surprize on any party of 
the Legion. 



(25) The slaughter of Campbell's cavalry was effected entirely 
by the sword. 

(26) Consult Kamsay's History of the Kevolution in South-. 
Carolina, p. 305, 2 vol. 



JAMES JACKSON. 39 

Dr. Ramsay informs us, that three attempts were 
made to surprize an advance party of the Americans 
commanded by Lieut. Col. Jackson, but none of 
them succeeded. (27) 

General Wayne always reposed the utmost confi- 
dence in his prudence and courage, and in assigning 
to him enterprizes of danger and of hazard, he gener- 
ally had the satisfaction of perceiving that no situa- 
tions could have been more gratifying to the military 

ardor of Col. Jackson In destroying the British 

magazines at the farm of Sir James Wright, he not 
only completely fulfilled the expectations of Gen. 
Wayne, but evinced a benevolence of character, and 
magnanimity of sentiment, which greatly enhanced 
the merit of this hazardous enterprize. 

It is thus related in my manuscript notes on Dr. 
Ramsay's history of the revolution in South Caro- 
lina : 

"General Wayne had formed the design of de- 
stroying the enemies magazines of provisions, on 
Hutchinson's island, and on Sir James Wright's 

plantation, adjoining the town of Savannah The 

former was to have been put into execution by Col. 
Barnwell of South Carolina, the latter by Colonel 
Jackson. Barnwell was surprised by the British 
regiments, and most of his men put to the bayonet. 
Jackson drove in the British pickets, and succeed- 
ed in performing the duty assigned to him in the 
face of the whole British army, and in his retreat 



(27) Kamsay's History of South-Carolina, 2 vol. p. 366. 

G 



40 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

passed through the camp of 200 Tories who were 
placed entirely at his mercy, but learning that they 
were labouring under the influence of disease he gave 
them their lives, and would not suffer them to be 
molested. 

These acts of humanity in the midst of sanguinary 
contests, do great honor to the character of a brave 
soldier who will always spare, when no temptation is 
offered to his courage to destroy. 

It was fortunate for these unhappy men that for- 
tune had placed them at the mercy of the benevolent 
Jackson. 

The character of Georgia Tories, was at this 
time so despicable .... so infamous .... so strongly 
associated with the ideas of murder and of rapine, 
that no situation however forcibly on ordinary oc- 
casions, it might have been calculated to appeal to 
the feelings of the compassionate or humane, could 
have protected them from the implacable vengeance 
of the great body of the Georgia Patriots. 

They had basely deserted the interests of liberty 
and their country. With their eyes open to all 
the oppressions of the British King, they had aided 
his myrmidons in ravaging the country, and in des- 
troying the lives and property of their own breth- 
ren and fellow citizens, who were gallantly spilling 
their blood, on the altars of freedom and indepen- 
dence. 

Wherever they went murder and pillage marked 
the footsteps of the Tories. The valor of robbera 
may occasionally excite our admiration, but no bold 

exploit no heroic deed no daring enterprise, 

ever attoned for the political heresy of the Georgia 



JAMES JACKSON. 41 

tories. The mauly fronts of the patriots was always 
the signal of their dispersion and defeat. 

That (28) timidity of character which compelled 

(28) Lord Cornwallis always called the tories his timid friends 
vid. answer to the narrative of Sir Henrj' Clinton p. 15. 

I am pourtraying here the general features of the character of 
the Georgia tories: but with very slight shades of distinction it. 
will be found applicable to the tories of every state. 

The following classification of them, in the rebel New-Jersy 
Journal (as it has been called by the British) of the 6th of April 
1783, (with the exception of the second class,) involves in a small 
cempass, every thing that can do them honor. Mutatis mutandis, 
these were the tories of Georgia, and of all the other revolted 
colonies. 

" AVe have (says the animated address of the rebel New-Jersey 
Journal'! not only had an open enemy to oppose in this conflict, 
but we have had numerous intestine enemies, who have been as 
vipers in our bosoms, and many traitors who have relinquished 
our cause, relinquished truth, virtue, and the rights of humanity, 
joined the enemy, and avowedly commenced the most bitter par- 
ricides of their country. These unprincipled wretches, these dregs 
and off scourings of human nature, have generally been distin- 
guished by the appellation of Tories and Refugees. 

These miscreants may be divided into four classes. 

1st. class. Foot timed, unmanly, ^nA. poltroon souls, who fled to 
the British to avoid militia duty and have done them as little 
service, as they would have dene us. 

2d. class. Those who have taken up arms against us, but who 
have never robbed, plundered, burnt houses, stole or kidnapped, 
nor were ever found with any such parties, but fought us in the 
open field. 

3d. class. Felons and robbers, who under the protection and 
sanctity of a British army, have robbed the country, stole horses, 
cattle &c. plundered and burnt houses, and carried ofi" to doleful 
prisons many of our good citizens. 

4th class. All those leading important villains, who have ever 
been giving evil counsel against this country .... advising the 
British, to lay the country perfectly waste by fire and sword: to 
spare neither age nor sex, who were called Whigs: who have en- 
couraged robbers, and raised money to encourage kidnappers : 
who have insulted our citizens when prisoners in New- York, and 
contributed their influence to the murdering them in dungeons 
and the polluted holds of ships. 

Political Magazijie, May, 1783, p. 330. 



42 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

them to seek their safety under the British fegis, 
was displayed on all occasions which required the 
<^ourage of men and soldiers. In cutting however 
the throats of unarmed men .... in riffling women, 
or in playing off the dexterity of thieves, they en- 
joyed their full and undisputed share of glory, and 
renown. 

When these miscreants were reposing at their ease, 
nnd revelling in plenty, under the holy protection 
of his Britannic Majesty .... the hardy republican 
warriors were fighting the battles of their common 
country .... were sustaining all the miseries of pov- 
erty and exile, corroded every moment by the dread- 
ful reflection, that whatever British magnanimity 
might be tempted to spare, would not escape the 
detestable rapacity of the tories. They were there- 
fore viewed as political pirates against w4iom every 
sword might be drawn and for whom there were 
no laws .... no tribunals. Political hatred against 
these men raged to such a degree, that Georgia pa- 
role, and a thrust with the bayonet, were terms of 
equal import. 

To save .... or rather to spare the lives of two 
hundred of these men under such strong impres- 
sions of public hatred and indignation, required 
the operations of a mind above the ordinary appre- 
hensions of popular prejudice and fanaticism. On 
this occasion therefore, we cannot withhold from 
Col. Jackson, the just tribute of our applause and 
admiration. 

The battle of the 21st May, 1782, with Col. Brown 



JAMES JACKSON. 43 

brought to a conclusion the revolutionary services of 
Col. Jackson. (29) 

On this day Col. Jackson was ordered to take 
a position near the plantation of James Haber- 
sham. (30) 

Here he was informed, that a troop of British dra- 
goons were stationed at Ogechee ferry. (31) 

Having posted the main body of his detachment 
at Little Ogechee bridge, he moved on with his 
horse, and a few mounted infantry, and fell in at 
Fox's with a large body of British militia, and re- 
gulars. These he charged .... but being repulsed 
by a superiority of numbers, retreated in good or- 
der to join the main body at the bridge of Little 
Ogechee. The British continued the pursuit until 
the Col. had reached his detachment, with which 
he made so prompt and judicious a manoeuvre, as 
nearly to have taken prisoners the whole of the 
enemy's horse. 

This skirmish was of great importance to Gen. 
Wayne, as by diminishing the force of the British 
cavalry, it tended to facilitate his victory over Col. 
Brown. 

On the 12th of July, 1782, the British evacuated 
Savannah, and in consequence of the military and 
meritorious services (as it was expressed by Gen- 
Wayne) Colonel Jackson f was ordered to enter and 

(29) Earn : Kev : in South-Carolina, 3G6, 367. 

(30) Eight miles from Savannah, on the Ogechee road. 

(31) Eleven miles from Savannah, 

t The following orders "were issued on this occasion by Gen.. 
Wayne. 

"Head-Quarters, Camp at Oihhons's, July lOth, 1782. 
"As the enemy may be expected daily to evacuate the town^. 



44 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

take possession of the town. The keys of the gates 
were delivered hira by a committee of British officers, 
and he had the pleasure .... the proud satisfaction, of 
being the first man who entered the town from 
whence in 1778, he and his brother soldiers and 
patriots had been driven and exiled. 

This was a glorious day to the republican Jack- 
son. 

Always devoted to the principles of freedom, he- 
had embarked in the American cause with the ardor 
of a brave soldier, and the determined zeal of an 
honest incorruptible patriot. 

In the rapid survey we have taken of his military 
services, it cannot be denied but that he was use- 
ful and undaunted in all the stations he had the ho- 
nor to occupy : and surely nothing is hazarded in 
the assertion, that in the subordinate spheres in 
which he was permitted to move, no patriot of the 
revolution was more enthusiastically sincere in his 
attachments to the interests of America, or encoun- 
tered with more resolution the perils which encom- 
passed the exertions of our revolutionary heroes. 
The defeat of Howe, was calculated to fix despair 

the troops will take care, to be provided with a clean shift of 
linnen, and to make themselves as respectable as possible for the 
occasion. The officers are particularly called upon, to attend to 
this order, and see it executed in their respective corps. No fol- 
lowers of the army are to be permitted to enter the town, until 
the main body has marched in. Lieut. Col. Jackson, in consid- 
eration of his severe and fatiguing service in the advance, is to 
receive the keys of Savannah, and is allowed to enter at the 
western gate, keeping a patrcle in town to apprehend stragglers, 
who may steal in with the hopes of plunder. Marauders may 
assure themselves, of the most severe, and exemplary punish- 
ment."' 



JAMES JACKSON. 45 

in the heart of every 'patriotic Georgian .... particu- 
larly those to whom it offered the dreadful alterna- 
tive of receiving protection, or joining the British 
standard. The one or the other branch of this al- 
ternative was embraced by men of weak nerves, who 
had not the resolution to wander in exile, or to sacri- 
fice their property. 

What had Jackson to expect from a steady course 
of consistent, and hardy patriotism ? Did pros- 
pects favorable to the destinies of America then 
open themselves to the poor, abandoned soldier who 
had bravely drawn his sword in defence of her 
liberties ? No ! Men in elevated commands had 
every reason to suppose, that no great success could 
attend the operations of their talents .... and every 
one however affluent he had been, began now to 
feel the pressure of poverty, or the want of personal 
influence. 

If such men had grounds for despondency, how 
much ought we to admire that firmness of charac- 
ter, which rose superior to the influence of external 
circumstances, and in the face of their tyranny, to 
move on fearless and undaunted in the perilous and 
thorny paths of patriotism, and virtue. Such was 
the character of Jackson. With nothing more than 
a nominal rank, without a shilling in his pocket .... 
without friends .... and consoled by no prospects of 
better days, we still find the spirit of this intrepid 
soldier, rising above the wants of the man, and 
amidst every discouraging event, adding new fuel to 
his zeal, and ultimately leading him on to glory and 
to fame. 



46 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

This spirit never would have bowed to British 
domination ; and the republican Jackson, had de- 
termined when he first drew his sword, never to 
sheath it as a subject of the king. If Britain had 
triumphed, he would have sought an assylum be- 
yond the mountains, or in some section of the 
globe, where British tyranny could not have reach- 
ed him. 

He now saw every wish of his heart accomplished. 
He saw this nation free and independent, and as a 
simple citizen of the American republic, he would 
not have exchanged situations for all the proud titles, 
at the disposal of his Britannic majesty. 

The courage of our people, aided by the smiles 
and protection of heaven, had crowned with victory 
the arms of the American heroes. From their blood 
had sprung up a form of government, surpassing 
in virtue .... in wisdom and excellence, all the in- 
stitutions of ancient or modern aera's. The sacred, 
natural, and imprescriptable rights of man had in 
all ages, and in all nations been trampled down by 
the well meant, yet ungovernable fanaticism of pure 
democracies, or by the execrable usurpations of des- 
potic monarchies. 

Even the boasted liberty of Englishmen rested on 
the principles of an arbitrary legislation, or the vague 
capricious prerogative of their king. 

It was reserved for the Americans to subvert all 
the monstrous doctrines of oppression, and amidst the 
gloom of their forests, to plan and to carry into op- 
eration, the system of republican-representative-de- 
mocracy .... the only system which recognizes and 



JAMES JACKSON. 47 

protects the natural rights ot man .... the only sys- 
tem which recognizes a political equality .... the only 
system which places the sovereignty in the people, 
and which confines the power and authority of their 
magistrates and legislators within the limits of funda- 
mental constitutional principles. 

Such was the system erected by the American peo- 
ple on the ruins of the mouarchial oppression of the 
haughty government of Great Britain. 

Col. Jackson had contributed his mite towards the 
establishment of this order of things, in the main- 
tenance of which, and in the various civil appoint- 
ments conferred on him by the gratitude and confi- 
dence of his fellow citizens, we will discover in everv 
step of his political career, the ardent republican, 
honest man^ and firm, incorruptible patriot. 



H 



48 I-IFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 



CHAPTER V. 

Donation of the General Assembly of Georgia for 
revolutionary services .... Practices law .... Elected 
a member of the legislature .... Bribe offered by a 
tory .... Appointed Colonel of militia, and Brigadier 
General .... Refuses the office of Governor. 

I PROPOSE now to follow Col. Jackson into the 
circle of his civil and political pursuits, in which he 
was engaged after the happy and glorious termina- 
tion of the American Revolution. In all his public 
appointments, we would trace a fidelity, activity and 
zeal, highly honorable to the character of a servant 
of the people. I shall not, however, swell my narra- 
tive with facts and incidents which would only in- 
terest his family or particular friends, and not the 
public. I shall therefore endeavor, as much as my 
feelings will permit, to confine these memoirs within 
the limits of the principal and prominent political 
transactions in which the conduct and patriotism of 
General Jackson were most conspicuous. Poor at 
the commencement of the war, it cannot be supposed 
that its progress added much to the stock of his 
slender resources. On the contrary, the conclusion 
of the war, left him little more than the sword which 
he had so gallantly wielded in the battles of America. 
But the gratitude of his fellow citizens, did not suffer 
him to recommence a course of civil pursuits, entirely 
destitute. 



JAMES JACKSON. 49 

lu July, 1782, the General Assembly of Georgia 
presented him with a house and lot in Savaunais, 
which was conveyed to him in the following compli- 
mentary and affectionate terms : 

House of Assembly, July oOfh, 1782. 

'' Whereas Lieut. Col. Jackson, has rendered many 
great and useful services to his country, for which he 
is entitled to the notice of the legislature : 

Be it therefore Resolved, That the house which here- 
tofore belonged to Mr. Tatnall, in Savannah, be 
granted to Col. Jackson, as a mark of the sense enter- 
tained by the legislature of his merits." 

Extract from the Minutes. 
(Signed) JOHN WILKINSON, c. g. a. 

Col. Jackson had been educated as an attorney, 
and in that capacity he now soon acquired an exten- 
sive practice. Indeed, such was his industry and in- 
defatigable devotion to the duties of his profession, 
that in a short time he had the satisfaction of finding 
himself in possession of a competency, which enabled 
him to turn his attention to pursuits more congenial 
to his ambition. 

The turbulent and harassing scenes of the revolu- 
tion had broken in upon, and frustrated any regular 
plan of professional education : but aided by the in- 
structions of Mr. Walton, and endowed with a genius 
and capacity eminently adapted to the bold and man- 
ly discussions of the forum, Colonel Jackson soon 
rose to a respectable rank among his brethren of the 
bar, and always supported the reputation of an ani- 
mated and able advocate. 



50 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

The jurisprudeuce of Georgia, at that time (and 
as it ever has beeu) was a system extremely sim- 
plified unfettered by the phlegmatic forms of 

Westminster .... but resting on the general princi- 
ples of the common and statute laws of England, so 
far as they were applicable to the relations of an in- 
fant republic, or were compatible with the local laws 
and customs. 

Under such a system the talents of the orator 
were more distinguished, and perhaps they were 
more useful, than the dry .... the abstract .... the 
sophisticated reasoning of the scientific lawyer, sink- 
ing under the weight of British Reporters. Little 
was referred to the discretion of the court : the ju- 
ry might decide on the law and the fact, and the 
happy faculty therefore, of convincing a jury, in 
the glowing language of eloquence and reason, 
opened the true highway to professional eminence 
and professional emolument. Without, then, that 
knoAvledge, which is acquired by a long, painful 
and laborious study of the law, (I mean the En- 
glish law) we ought not to feel surprised, that so 
much success should have attended Col. Jackson's 
professional exertions. The bar, however, did not 
afford a sufficient latitude for the developement and 
exercise of those ardent propensities which were 
ever urging him on to mount the steps of the politi- 
cal ladder. 

His fellow citizens elected him a member of the 
legislature, in which station he magnanimously threw 
aside his revolutionary animosity against some of the 
tories, who were greatly indebted to him for his aid, 



JAMES JACKSON. 51 

iu releasing them from the penalties of the confis- 
cation acts. Col. Jackson held these men in detes- 
tation, but he saw them humbled in the dust, and to 
trample on them .... to reject their importunate suj^- 
j)licatious for an admission to the enjoyment of these 
privileges which their victorious countrymen had 
purchased with their blood .... to spurn them away 
under these circumstances, did not, in the opinion of 
Jackson, comport with the virtuous moderation of a 
republican, whose principles compel him to shew 
mercy to the fallen and penitent. 

The anxiety of some of the tories to throw them- 
selves once more into the arms of their patriotic 
countrymen, was perfectly astonishing, when we re- 
flect on their bitter hostility to the revolution. 

From one, who had made himself sufficiently con- 
Sj)icuous to be placed upon one of the confiscation 
acts, Col. Jackson was honored with the following 
letter : 

East Florida, October 6th, 1783. 
" Honorable Sir, 

I wrote you a letter last month, humbly re- 
questing you to draw me a i)etition, and speaking to 
it, which I still beg you to do. I have been ordered 
out of the state since : but would wish to return 
to my allegiance and my children, as I have been 
ruined by the instigation of the British, and am now 
sent among them, where I am sorry to be, or go 
further with them. 

I mentioned in my last letter I would give you 
one tract of land, out of two, either on Savannah 



52 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

river, or at my mill-seat on Black creek, if you get 
me off the bill of attainder ; but I since considered, if 
you will trouble yourself in my behalf to draw me a 
special petition, and make for me such friends, as 
will enable me to settle in that county, a citizen, I 
will give you both these tracts of land, or whatever 
they fetch me when sold. 

I also wrote you, I would send you a copy of 
some certificates I took from my old neighbors, 
which I omitted. I have now sent them enclosed 
here, and if the form does not suit, please to draw a 
form for the former neighbors to subscribe to, and 
send it to my sou, Philip Dell, jun. at jNIr. W. Col- 
son's, near the mouth of Briar creek, where it will be 
signed by some of the most substantial of American 
citizens. 

It is well known I never raised arms against the 
Americans, although I have been often plundered 
by them, but rested as peaceably as I could. I took 
the commission of the peace to prevent my bearing 
arms, and to keep the violent rogues from plundering 
the Americans who had taken protection of the 
British. 

I am not about to settle in Florida, nor do I like 
to go further with the British, but hope you will 
enable me to return home. If I should be taken off 
the bill, pray write me as soon as possible, after be- 
ing safe to return. 

I now stop at Cedar Point, in a camp, where you 
may write me, by any boat going to St. John's, 
on said water course, seven miles from St. John's 
bluff. On a strict enquiry you will find me an hon- 



JAMES JACKSON. 63- 

est, peaceable man. What my sou has done I am 
not to answer for. So no more than my compli- 
ments : 

And am with due regard, Sir, 

Your most ob't serv't at command, 
(Signed) PHILIP DELL. 

This cunning tory had entirely mistaken his man. 
His infamous proposition was heard by Col. Jackson 
with that scorn and indignation which it merited : 
who would have listened with patience to the poor 
suppliant, but whose integrity was not to be shaken 
by the bribe of the rich scoundrel. 

In 1784, Mr. Jackson was appointed Colonel of 
the Chatham county, or first regiment of Georgia 
militia. John Houstoun was then Governor of the 
state of Georgia. 

In 1786, under the administration of the patriotic 
Edward Telfair, he received the commission of Briga- 
dier General ; and in the course of the same year was 
admitted an honorary member of the Georgia Cincin- 
nati Society. (32) 

In this rapid succession did honors follow the 
revolutionary merit and patriotism of Col. Jackson. 

(32) Ctxcinxati Society, Savannah, in Georgia, Oct. l%th, 178G. 

For the faithful and military services of Brigadier General 
James Jackson, who distinguished himself during the revolution, 
the Society are disposed to shew him every mark of their friend- 
ship and respect: 

Therefore Reaolved, nem : con : That he be admitted an honor- 
ary member of this Society. 

The Society then proceeded to the election, when they unani- 
mously elected Brigadier General Jackson an honorary member 
of the Cincinnati Society, in the State of Georgia. 
A true extract from the Minutes. 

{Signed) LACHLAN llol^TO^B., President. 

(Signed) JOHN HABERSHAM, Sec. C. S. of Georgia. 



54 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

All classes of men were anxious to evince their 
attachment to his person, and to confer upon him 
those rewards which are so peculiarly gratifying to 
the heart of a soldier and a patriot. 

Among those marks of respect which were exhib- 
ited towards him, none can be more distinguished 
than his unanimous admission into the Georgia 
Cincinnati Society. The name of the venerable 
General Lachlan Mcintosh, who was then Presi- 
dent of that institution, is dear to the recollection 
of every American patriot, and to be enrolled with 
his approbation among the heroes of the line, is 
conclusive evidence of the high estimation in which 
the revolutionary services of Gen. Jackson were 
held. 

In January, 1788, he was elected Governor of the 
state of Georgia, which appointment was announced 
to him in "the following official letter from the Speak- 
er of the House of Assembly. 

House of Assembly, Augusta, 
January 1th, 1788. 
SIR, 

I have the honor to inform you that you are 
elected Governor of this state. Your appointment 
by a large majority of the House evinces the great 
confidence which the representatives of the people 
repose in you. The critical posture of our affairs, 
renders it peculiarly necessary, that the chief magis- 
tracy of this state should be filled by a person of 
experience and approved patriotlsm. 

Your repeated exertions in the service of your 
country leave me no room to doubt, that you will 



JAMES JACKSON. 55 

accept the office which has been thus honorably con- 
ferred upon you ; and that you will discharge the 
duties of this important trust in such manner as will 
give general satisfaction. 
I have the honor to be, Sir, 

Your obedient humble servant, 

N. BROWNSON, Speaker. 

His Honor James Jackson, Esq. 

Governor of the State of Georgia, in Savannah. 

To the astonishment of his friends, who believ- 
ed him to be influenced by an ambition not easily 
satiated with public honors. General Jackson modest- 
ly refused an office which he did not think his age 
or experience entitled him to. He confessed with 
great candor, that such an office was too weighty 
for his shoulders .... and that no honest patriot 
would assume the duties of an appointment which 
he had not the talents to discharge. His object was 
to be useful to the people, and that therefore, he 
would avoid the responsibility of any station in 
which his zeal, and not his knowledge, would be 
most conspicuous. 

This was the honest determination of a true repub- 
lican. He did not solicit the office .... He did not 
expect it. It was the voluntary tender of a body of 
men, who respected his virtue, and reposed confi- 
dence in his patriotism. In the wide range of their 
observation, Jackson appeared to them as the worthi- 
est citizen they could select to take charge of the 
government of the republic. 

His rejection of an appointment conferred upon 
him under such circumstances, was the noble effort 



56 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

of an honest heart, sacrificing personal aggrandise- 
ment on the altar of the public good Such will,. 

or ought ever to be the conduct of an independent 
and orthodox republican. It is this kind of mag- 
nanimity and disinterestedness which contradistin- 
guishes his principles from the tenets of the mon- 
archist .... which render the one, the subject of his 
virtues, the other, the vassal of his passions. 

Ne quicquam popula bibulas donaveris aures 

Kespue quod non es. Penius, Sat : iv: 50. 

convey sterling admonitions to the sound patriot. 



APPENDIX. 



EULOGIUM. 

Delivered in Savannah, in February, 1800, by the 
Author of this tvork. 



IT is announced to us, that on the 19th day of 
the last month, departed this life, at the City of 
Washington, after a long and painful illness. Ma- 
jor General James Jackson, one of our Senators 
in the Congress of the United States .... Amidst the 
respectable testimonies of respect which have been 
paid to his memory, I have been honored with a re- 
quest to pronounce the eulogy which the merits .... 
the services and virtues of the deceased entitle him 
to have recorded, as a just tribute oifered up to his 
past fame, and a security for the recollections of his 
fellow-citizens. 

I hope I shall be able to deliver his panegyric 
without any deviations from the plain principles of 
truth and candor. 

As the distinguished citizen, whose shade we are 
now invoking, was incapable of speaking a language 
which was not founded on the sincerity of convic- 
tion, or which did not flow in a direct course from 
the breast ; neither will I, his humble eulogist, tres- 
pass one moment on your indulgence to descant up- 
on topics which have no relation to his real virtues ; 
nor will I attempt to attribute traits of character 



58 EULOGIUM. 

to him which his soul would falsify if it could 
hover over my head at this moment and assume the 
attribute of speech. I shall not therefore, swell 
the panegyric beyond its natural limits, lest in its in- 
undations I bring confusion on myself .... It is not 
necessary to deal in fiction on this occasion .... the 
character of General Jackson stands too high .... it 
is too well known by the people of the United States 
to require either the aid of exaggeration, or the pol- 
ish of a base flattery. He loved truth and fair deal- 
ing for their own sakes, and intuitively detested their 
opposites. 

He was a plain hearted republican, whose tongue 
knew no guile .... whose heart never palpitated with 
fear, or planned dishonesty. 

The most violent personal resentments will al- 
ways result from the collisions of faction, and men 
otherwise virtuous, but under the influence of those 
resentments, will but too often give a currency 
to political calumnies, and a sanction to measures 
which ought to be rejected as dishonorable, and 
condemned as inconsistent with a pure and disin- 
terested love of country. General Jackson has been 
engaged in scenes which called forth all the rancor- 
ous feelings of the heart, and which have given a 
permanency to feuds which even the grave itself 
does not cover and annihilate .... feuds M'hich will 
expire only with the liberties and happiness of this 
nation. These feuds did not, however, produce all 
their ordinary effects upon him. Their bitterest 
spirit has never been able to snatch from the public 
opinion the impression of his honesty and inflexible 



EULOGIUM. 59 

integrity. He has sustained the character of an 
honest man amidst the highest effervescences of party 

feeling even at times when calumny itself usurped 

the dominion of sacred truth, and sounded her voice 
in the temples of God. 

The loss of such a character as this, from the 
humble walks of a private station, (for an honest 
man is the noblest work of God) is to be most sin- 
cerely and deeply regretted by a virtuous and en- 
lightened community .... how loud then ought the 
lamentations of a nation to be in being deprived of 
such a man, who filled the highest political sta- 
tions .... who carried his personal honesty into the 
circle of his political engagements .... who discharg- 
ed his public duties by the scale of his individual 
rectitude. 

He despised the machiavelian policy which estab- 
lishes two kinds of honesty, one for the man, the 
other for the statesman. 

His private and political honesty Avere homo ge- 
nivus, participated in the same principles or nature. 

He respected the arcana of state .... and the mys- 
teries of the cabinet, no further than they were com- 
patible with the public good, or came within the 
range of his opinions of political morality. 

He always dared to speak what he thought, and 
never deviated from a line of conduct once adopt- 
ed, from any apprehensions for himself. He was 
steady, persevering and immovable in the prose- 
cution of his measures .... not to be swerved from 
them by the virulence of censure, or the danger of 



60 EULOGIUM. 

formidable hatreds. If be believed be was rigbt be 
would go ou. 

If General Jackson bad been accessible to corrup- 
tion tbere was a period wbeu be could bave com- 
manded an affluence beyond a parallel in tbis na- 
tion and wbat may appear to many inexplicable, 

be might bave remained in possession of bis political 
ascendancy. Such was the peculiar combination of 
qualities which concentrated themselves in the char- 
acter of tbis celebrated citizen. But gold could not 
tempt him from bis duty .... the estates be bad left 
behind bave been acquired by testamentary generos- 
ity, or the efforts of industry, not unaccompanied by 
the prudential cautions of economy. I doubt whether 
bis devotion to public duties, and the interests of bis 
fellow-citizens, has superseded the necessity on the 
part of his sons to toil as he did. If their patrimony 
is not as great, however, as it could have been, let 
the integrity and civic virtues of their father consqle 
them for the disappointment. Let them recollect, 
that they are not the descendants of an unprincipled 
Satrap, but the honorable offspring of a patriot cit- 
izen. Let them recollect, and each of my young 
countrymen, that be has opened a track for them 
which if followed with honor and firmness will re- 
ward them with fame and competency, not with lux- 
ury and insolence. 

The character and principles of General Jackson 
are marked with a firmness and consistency rarely 
discoverable in the actions of statesmen and seldom 
compatible with that species of ambition which 



EULOGIUM. 61 

rests for support upon its own nature and energies 
in opposition to the obstructions which fortune and 
birth have thrown in the way of its ultimate ob- 
jects. 

The political principles of the deceased in no in- 
stance veered with circumstances .... they were above 
the control of circumstances : for as they were the 
result of reason, reflection and comparison, they 
neither changed with a change of men and measures, 
or floated with the tides of political relations. At 
the dawn of 1776, and for the whole period of the 
revolutionary struggles with Great-Britain, he brave- 
ly, and to the utmost of his abilities contended for 
the rights of liberty and independence of this country, 
and the distance of nearly thirty years did not cool 
the ardor of his '76 principles. 

He died in 1806, the unalterable, the fervid patriot 
of 1776 .... He drew his last breath at a moment 
when the situation of this country demanded all his 
zeal. If he had lived he would have stood in the 
lists of those patriots who will never sacrifice the 
legal rights of their country at the shrine of ignoble 
peace. If I mistake not, no temporary inconven- 
iences to commercial profit, no temporary diminution 
of the revenue of the United States, would have ob- 
tained his assent to any measures which indirectly 
acknowledged the imbecility of their goverment, or 
the pusilanimity of their people. The United States 
of America can support their rights, and at this crisis 
he would have said so. 

General Jackson believed that the constitution of 



62 EULOGIUM. 

the United States was the standard, under which our 
people ought to rally in the hour of danger and 
alarm : he believed that its principles combined all 
the energies necessary for defensive or offensive op- 
erations. He considered the federal compact as the 
palladium of If American liberty, and venerated it 
for the lirrefragible refutations it had given to the 
opinions of foreign politicians, that the republican 
form of government was not suited to a wide extent 
of country, and that it could not protect itself from 
external aggressions. He venerated the constitu- 
tion of the United States, because it consecrated 
the only form of government, which his reason could 
assent to. 

General Jackson was born an Englishman, but 
his heart was American. If every native feels the 
same affection for this country that he did, it is able 
to protect itself against all attempts on its liberties. 
The amor vincit patriae, of theorists would then be 
confirmed, by the operation of practical virtues. He 
offers a noble example to naturalized citizens, who 
have solemnly pledged themselves to support the 
principles of this government. The love of native 
soil is natural, and it is amiable ; but I hope that 
local attachment will not prevent an honorable dis- 
charge of duty, when the dangers and interests of this 
country demand the services and zeal of my adopted 
countrymen. They will no doubt do their duty. 
Having discharged it they will meet the reward 
which it is in the power of a free people to bestow : 
and like General Jackson, they will afford this useful 
lesson to the world, that men can be found in the 



EULOGIUM. 63- 

bosom of this rising republic who know and feel no 
other obligations than those which result from honor 
and abstract patriotism .... I mean the patriotism of 
principle, not of soil. General Jackson was not di- 
vested of ambition ; but his ambition carried with it 
no treachery. It was not an ambition which could 
be soothed by gew-gaws and ribbands. 

The distinctions of aristocracy could never have- 
gratified it. It was an ambition, which concentrated 
itself in a love of the people, and which was unwill- 
ing to relinquish any favors within their gift. It 
was an ambition which eagerly collected all those 
honors which form the wreath of civic virtue. Is 
ambition of this kind reprehensible ? Is it danger- 
ous to American liberty ? I hope not. I believe 
that it is not. I hope the same ambition will ele- 
vate to a proud rank, every citizen of this nation who 
is influenced by it, and can dignify it with virtue 
and talents. " Though the pure consciousness of 
worthy actions, abstracted from the views of popular 
applause, be to a generous mind an ample reward, 
yet the desire of distinction was doubtless implanted 
in our natures as an additional incentive to exert our- 
selves in virtuous excellence." 

General Jackson had his frailties and imperfec- 
tions in common with other men. He suffered per- 
haps the impetuosity of his temper to hurry him 
into extremes, too often and unnecesssarily. Believ- 
ing that his political tenets were such which every 
citizen ought to feel, he was impatient under con- 

K 



■64 EULOGIUM. 

tradlctions, and apparently intollerant to his oppo- 
nents. He did not perhaps take sufficient pains to 
convince an adversary, or to conciliate his good opin- 
ion. His private intercourse was in a great measure 
regulated by a sympathy of political feeling. But 
tho' he permitted occasional triumphs of warmth 
over his real and natural benevolence of character, 
and though unbending and impetuous, yet no man 
possessed a stronger sensibility ; it was a chord which 
vibrated on the slightest touch. When made sensi- 
ble of an error, no man could evince a more live- 
ly sense of regret, or a more ready disposition to 
expiate it. The smallest advances to reconcilia- 
tion, buried his resentments. His enmities were 
open and conducted with candor ; his enemies were 
always apprized of his points of attack. But if he 
was warm in his resentments, he was no less sincere, 
fervid and disinterested in his friendships. He 
possessed the social virtues in an eminent degree ; 
he w-as the most agreeable of companions, when 
all other feelings were insulated, save those which 
sprung out of his natural good humor and great flow 
of spirits. 

In private life, the manners and virtues of the 
general were of an amiable complexion. He was 
indeed an affectionate father and husband; and a 
humane master. In all these relations, and in the 
discharge of the duties incidental to them, he is wor- 
thy of the strictest imitation. 

I hope I am not trespassing upon your patience. 
I feel that my arrangement is desultory and prolix. 
I might have said much less, and with more method. 



EULOGIUM. 65 

A subject however has been assigned me, in which it 
is difficult to connect the coolness of method with 
those generous emotions which must animate every 
heart in reciting the virtues of the dead. I hope I 
have given no false colorings to, or exaggerated the 
merits of my departed friend. I have said of my 
friend : but he was the friend of the American Peo- 
ple ; he was the sincere friend of the people of Geor- 
gia. I have it from himself to say .... it is written 
with his own hand, that he particularly loved the 
people of Georgia ; that it was his favorite wish to be 
thought their father ; that he had given np for- 
tune family, and the most lucrative pursuits 

had made all the sacrifices, to perform only what he 
conceived to be his duty to the people of Georgia : 
and that if after death his heart could be opened, 
Georgia would be legibly read there. This he said 
and wrote two years ago, when he thought himself 
on the margin of the grave. But who will doubt his 
attachment for the people of Georgia upon a princi- 
ple of personal affection ? Are evidences required 
of this attachment ? They are discoverable in every 
action of his public conduct. Look into the re- 
cords of the state : he will be there found the ene- 
my .... the immoveable, unconquerable enemy of 
every species of fraud, monopoly and speculation, 
which levelled their baneful influence at the best 
interests and happiness of her citizens and their 
posterity. I will not dwell with emphasis on this 
subject. I am apprehensive of awakening feelings, 
which ought to slumber on this occasion, and which 



66 EULOGIUM. 

I hope have been buried in the same grave with his 
body. 

I am more solicitous to impress upon the minds 
of all men ; of all parties, that we have lost a citi- 
zen who was a patriot from principle ; and whose 
particular affections were fixed on the people of 
Georgia. Georgians you have lost one of your best 
friends ; a friend who never hesitated to jeopardize 
his life ; or sacrifice his fortune in your service. He 
walked with you through the fire of an arduous rev- 
olution, and if God had spared him, was still ready 
to assert the rights of yourselves and your children 
against any succeeding tyranny. I see many of his 
friends here who have grown grey with him in the 
practice of an uniform patriotism. The respectable 
and venerable General Mcintosh, went to the bosom 
of Washington a short time before him ; and the 
course of nature is bringing rapidly on, that awful 
period, which will number with the dead the remain- 
ing phalanx of the '7(5 heroes. I see some in this 
assembly; soldiers of that memorable time, whose 
span cannot be protracted many years : but they will 
die with the pleasing consolation of leaving their 
memory and their honor in the possession of a grate- 
ful people, who will ever respect and venerate the 
one, and endeavor to imitate the other. The grave 
of the Patriot of 1776, inculcates terrible lessons to 
the enemies of freedom : it teaches that bravery, sup- 
ported by justice and animated by the hopes of li- 
berty and independence, will ultimately meet the 
fostering protection of a beneficent providence ; and 



EFLOGIUM. 67 

that it cannot be baffled by the strength of tyrants. 
The grave of the patriot of 1776, inculcates further 
lessons .... it teaches the necessity of unanimity ; it 
teaches us to make all those sacrifices which ordi- 
narily attach us to life ; to bear with firmness every 
privation, in support of our natural rights as men, 
or the principles of a free government. Thus death 
itself does not deprive us of our revolutionary heroe ; 
we listen to and hear his voice through the cold mar- 
ble of the tomb. 

Washington is physically no more, but his shade 
is ever present among us ; it is ever speaking an 
audible language ; it encompasses the hearts of his 
countrymen, and as long as honesty is respected, it 
will continue to controul them by the rules of public 
virtue and moral rectitude. Let the foreign or 
domestic Csesar, menace an attack on the constitution 
and liberties of this nation; the shade of Washington 
will present itself, and hurl ruin and confusion on the 
usurper. It is that great moral cause, which of itself 
on such an event, would carry with it all the energies 
of a physical host ; and communicate the pangs of a 
whip of scorpions. 

Learn from this example my fellow-citizens, the 
-effects of great and benevolent actions, and endeavor 
to do your duty to yourselves and posterity. 

I have some memoirs before me which go into a 
•detail of the revolutionary exploits of General Jack- 
son. I cannot detain you longer on this occasion by 
an enumeration of them. They shall speedily be 
submitted to the public, as well as accounts of his 
public conduct in the various civil stations filled by 



68 EULOGIUM. 

him since the organizatioa of the federal govern- 
ment. There will be necessarily connected in a pro- 
duction of this kind, a history of the revolution as it 
was confined to this state, and a general view of the 
administration of the general government. This I 
will undertake to perform. 

I shall for the present barely mention, that no 
officer moving in the limited spheres of command 
which was given him at different periods of the war, 
could have performed his duty better .... with more 
zeal, fidelity and firmness. 

In the celebrated action of the Cowpens, he act- 
ed as aid to General Pickens, and brigade-major to 
the Carolina and Georgia militia. In that action 
be took the swords of several officers, and among 
them the sword of Major McArthur, the commander 
of the British infantry, and delivered that officer to 
General Morgan ; and received the thanks of the 
General for his conduct on the field of battle. This 
is one ; but not the most important, among those 
atchievements, which distinguished the military life 
of the deceased. It is only mentioned as a general 
illustration of his ardor, during the revolutionary 
contest. 

General Jackson in his life time, had to stem the 
torrent of much personal animosity. I hope that his 
memory has now no resentments to contend with. I 
hope they will be permitted to moulder with his body 
there in the dust. The despotism of France, and the 
recent encroachments of Britain on our independency 
and legal rights, have annihilated the prejudices that 
once divided our citizens between those rival powers. 



EULOGIUM. 69- 

The true American, has now no particular predilec- 
tions for either of those nations; and with the fall of 
those predilections, have also expired many of those 
diversities which characterised the sects of democratic 
and federal republicans. In a common cause the 
ebullitions of party spirit have subsided. I hope then 
that this spirit will not be revived to disturb the 
ashes of ray friend. The attendance of many in this 
assembly does honor to their magnanimity, and con- 
vince me, that, that spirit will not be revived. 

The respectability of this assembly and the dignity 
of the pageant, offer up nothing more than a just 
tribute to the memory of the deceased. This country 
has lost one of its sincerest and best patriots, and 
therefore every ceremony evincive of regret for such 
an event, is but the performance of a duty which a 
generous people are ever willing to impose upon 
themselves. 

I give you my thanks my fellow-citizens for your 
patience and respectful attention ; and solicit your 
pardon, for the time I have trespassed upon. 



THH LIFE 



OF 



GOV. JAMES JACKSON, 

OK OEOROIA, 

As Portrayed in the National Portrait Gallery, Absalom H. 

Chappell's Miscellanies of Georgia, Gov. Gilmer's 

Georgians, and Others. 



NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY OF 1836, 
VOLUME III. 

General James Jackson was born in the county of 
Devon, in England, on the 21st of September, in the 
year 1757. From his iather of the same name, a 
man of respectable connections, honest character, and 
stern republican principles, he inherited an ardent de- 
votion to liberty, which strongly manifested |itself at 
a very early age. King, Lords, and Commons, with 
all the boasted glory and grandeur of Britain, had no 
charms for his unyielding and buoyant spirit, which 
already aspired at equality, and saw the prospect of 
gratification in the far distant regions of America. In 
1772, at the instance of John Wereat, a leading Whig 
in Georgia, the parental sanction was given to his 
abandonment of the home of his ancestors. "With 
that gentleman he repaired to Savannah, and began to 
read law in the office of Samuel Farley, an eminent 



72 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

attorney, carrying on at the same time, with very 
limited advantages, the course of education com- 
menced in England. His forensic and common studies 
were soon interrupted. 

In 1775, he warmly espoused the cause of freedom; 
and is believed to have been among the first lads of 
his age who shouldered a musket in hostility to the 
the tyranny of Britain. He first distinguished him- 
self when Commodore Barclay, and Majors Maitland 
and Grant came in force, in 1776, against Savannah, 
being one of a party of nine, who, under command 
of Captain Bowen, after the detention of a flag sent 
by the patriots, and the discharge of a volley by the 
enemy, boarded and set fire to a merchant vessel, and 
drifted against and caused the precipitate abandon- 
ment of others held by British troops, in the river 
immediately opposite the town. In the same year, 
he was a volunteer in an attack, conducted by Colonel 
Baker, upon Tybee Island, where some houses were 
occupied by armed men from hostile vessels of war 
that lay in the river, and drew fresh supplies from 
herds of cattle upon it. The buildings were destroyed, 
and the enemy driven to their ship. For gallant 
conduct ou this occasion, he was honored with the 
thanks of Governor Bulloch. Public regard was now 
so strongly attracted to the youthful soldier, that a 
company of light infantry was organized and placed 
under his orders. He continued to direct it until the 
fiital Florida expedition under General Howe, when 
he resigned, and had conferred upon him the appoint- 
ment of brigade-major of the Georgia militia. In 
this capacity, he was in many ekinnishes with the 



JAMES JACKSON. 73 

enemy, and then advancing towards Savannah from 
the south; particularly in one in which the brave 
General Scriven was killed, and in which he received 
a wouud in the ankle. After the fall of Savannah, 
on the 29th of December, 1778, in the defense of 
which he had participated against the superior forces 
of Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, the Georgians were 
reduced to the utmost misery. Their property was con- 
fiscated, their families were brought to poverty, their 
most venerable citizens were crowded on board of 
prison ships, and cruelties were inflicted unbecoming 
the most barbarous foe. The greater number of the 
State troops and organized militia having been, in the 
assault, killed or taken prisoners, and there being no 
longer a field in Georgia for his exertions. Major 
Jackson crossed the Savannah river, to aid the Whigs 
of Carolina. Barefoot and penniless, friendless and 
unknown, but resolute and sanguine, he joined Gen- 
eral Moultrie's command, marching as a common sol- 
dier, and active in the engagements that ensued. 

It was his singular misfortune before he had reached 
the army, so wretched was his appearance, to have his 
character as an American officer denied, to be appre- 
hended as a spy by a party of Whigs whom he went 
to succor, condemned to execution, and saved from 
the gibbet only by the timely arrival of Peter De- 
veaux, a gentleman of reputation, afterwards a mem- 
ber of the executive council of Georgia. 

In October, 1779, Major Jackson served again in 
Georgia, in the unsuccessful assault upon Savannah 
by General Lincoln and Count d'Estaing. In March, 
1780, he, unhappily, was the antagonist of Lieuten- 



74 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

ant-Governor Wells in a duel, which terminated fa- 
tally to the latter gentleman. 

The Major was shot through both knees; and con- 
fined by his wounds for mouths, refusing amputation, 
and abandoned by his surgeons, was prevented from 
taking part in the military operations of the spring 
of 1780. Here, justice to the Major requires the dec- 
laration that although he was forced into this difficulty 
by a gross personal indignity, which his honor as an 
officer, and the spirit of the period, compelled him to 
resent, and although he had done nothing wherewith 
to reproach himself, yet he ever afterwards deeply la- 
mented the dreadful catastrophe. He was no duellist 
from principle: he abhorred the practice. It was his 
lot on several other occasions in subsequent life to be 
similarly involved; but he went always to the place 
of contest without preparation, with no vindictive 
passion, confiding in the rectitude of his cause, and 
convinced that duty to his country demanded the ex- 
posure of his person. 

In August, 1780, Major Jackson repaired to Colonel 
Elijah Clarke's camp of Georgians. He was in the 
celebrated battle of Blackstocks, under General Sum- 
ter, in South Carolina. When the gallant Sumter was 
wounded, the command devolved upon Colonel 
Twiggs, of Georgia, the senior officer present. At 
the close of the encounter, the Major was despatched 
with a body of cavalry in persuit of Colonel Tarle- 
ton, whom he vigorously pressed, and from whom he 
captured and brought off thirty horses. No dispar- 
agement of the veteran Sumter, nor of the patriotic 
sous of Carolina, is intended: true valor is never en- 



JAMES JACKSON. 75 

vioiis of the military laurels of others : let it there- 
fore be as readily conceded, as it is firmly insisted 
that the conduct of the Georgians in that memorable 
engagement contributed greatly to the success of the 
day. History has given them but little credit here ; 
and history has been equally unjust to them, when 
treating of many other events in which their valor was 
signalized. Indeed, throughout the war, in the three 
most southern States they were always found in scenes 
of the greatest peril, ever prompt to hazard their lives 
for the general good. Georgia rightfully boasts of 
many brilliant and valiant names — they should be 
rescued from oblivion : especially should the memories 
of Twiggs and of Clarke be respected by one who 
would faithfully recount the story of the revolution. 
They were among the bravest of the brave — officers 
of skill and unceasing enterprise, to whom American 
liberty is indebted for a thousand noble deeds. Such 
was the confidence reposed in Major Jackson at this 
time, that after the battle of Long-cane, in which 
Colonel Clarke was disabled, the major more than once, 
saved his command from total dispersion. Of impas- 
sioned eloquence and the highest powers of declama- 
tion, he frequently addressed the troops, setting before 
them in glowing terms the wrongs of their country, 
and arousing them to acts of patriotic effort. The 
affection of the Georgians for his person was, we are 
assured, also felt by the Carolinians, who were well 
pleased when he was in charge of parties, or acted as 
he often did, as Major of the brigade to the united 
combatants of the two States. 

Early in 1781, General Pickens, who properly con- 



76 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

ceived himself justified by Lord Coriiwallis's procla- 
mation, and by British outrage in breaking his parole, 
was intrusted with the command of the Carolina and 
Georgia militia attached to General Morgan's army. 
Major Jackson was his brigade-major. Is it too late 
for a magnanimous and grateful people to acknowl- 
edge meritorious service, although that service may 
not heretofore have been fully recorded by the annal- 
ist? May not the author of this memoir, acutely 
feeling for the honor of his native state, and justly 
alive to the reputation of Major Jackson, confidently 
hope, that even now, an achievement of high chivalry 
may be admitted, if satisfactory evidence be adduced? 
It is asserted, then, upon the authority of General 
Pickens, whose certificate, dated 6th February, 1787, 
is in the writer's possession, which was published in 
the gazettes of the South at a period when Major, 
then General Jackson's enemies were striving to over- 
throw him ; which was given voluntarily, and never 
contradicted; published, too, during the lives of Gen- 
eral Pickens, and of the principal continental and mi- 
litia officers who fought at the Cowpens : that Major 
Jackson, "by his example, and firm, active conduct" 
did much " to animate the troops, and insure the suc- 
cess" of the Americans; that '' it was owing to acci- 
dent or mistake that his name was not returned to 
Congress, as one of the officers who particularly sig- 
nalized themselves at the Cowpens " ; and that " the 
major, in the face of the whole army, ran the utmost 
risk of his life in seizing the colors of the 71st British 
regiment, and afterwards introducing Major M'Arthur, 
commanding officer of the British infantry, as a pris- 



JAMES JACKSON. 77 

oner of war to General Morgan." After this the 
major was at the crossing of the Catawba by Lord 
Cornwallis. He narrowly escaped the sabres ofTarl- 
ton, while endeavoring to rally and form the discom- 
fited militia surprised by that officer at Tennant's 
tavern. He Avas with General Pickens and Colonel 
Lee, when Pyle's corps was destroyed on Haw river. 
It was his fortune to be engaged frequently and con- 
spiciously, and to gain the approbation of General 
Greene, to whom he was introduced at Salisbury by 
General Morgan; and who then determined to take 
place under bis direction a legionary corps, as soon as 
one could be raised for the service of Georgia. 

Colonel Baker having undertaken an expedition 
against Augusta, Major Jackson considered it his duty 
to abandon the main southern army, and return to the 
State whose commission he bore. The intervening 
country was almost wholly hostile: but he surmounted 
every difficulty, joined Baker, and was immediately 
ordered to recross the Savannah, and imbody a force 
in Carolina. Having succeeded in collecting 250 
men, who were committed to the charge of Colonel 
Hammond, he returned to the camp from which Col- 
onel Baker in disgust had retired. Colonel William- 
son who succeeded Baker, had also withdrawn. Gen- 
eral Pickens and Colonel Lee were yet with General 
Greene. This was the hour on which depended the 
future capture of Augusta. Had the Georgians then 
abandoned the field. Colonel Brown, the British com- 
mander, might have been secured against all future 
enterprise. The major assumed the command. His 
talent for extemporaneous elocution was again called 



78 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

into exercise. He, on horse-back, depicted to the- 
dispirited patriots "the miseries they had eudured, aud 
the cruelties that had been perpetrated by Browu aud 
Griersou; cruelties which their dispersiou would only 
tend to renew. That vengeance was within their reach, 
that to give up the opportunity of obtaining it, was 
giving up their pretensions to the character of good 
soldiers ; was sacrificing their feelings and duties as- 
citizens, sons, fathers, and husbands." A resolution to 
conquer, or die, was proclaimed by the brave men whom 
he addressed. Operations were forthwith commenced 
anew, against the garrison. The major had prepared 
fascines, mounted a nine-pounder, aud was ready to 
break ground against Grierson's fort, when Colonel 
Clarke arriving superseded him. General Pickens and 
Colonel Lee appeared afterwards, and Augusta fell. 
The certificate by General Pickens, to which reference 
has already been made, also makes known that at Au- 
gusta "Major Jackson's exertions in the early period 
of the siege, laid the groundwork for the reduction 
of that place. He led one of the advanced parties, 
as Captain Rudolph did another, at the storming of 
Grierson's Fort; and had the command of a moving 
battery at the time of the surrender of Fort George, 
in which he conducted with honor to himself and 
his country." 

In conformity with his resolution, taken during 
the campaign in North Carolina, General Greene now 
gave to Major Jackson a commission for a partisan 
legion, confirmed by Congress in 1781. This he en- 
listed in a few days. Appointed commandant at 
Augusta, he maintained his post, notwithstanding 



JAMES JACKSON. 79" 

Lord Rawdon's march, General Greene's retreat from 
Ninety-six, his being entirely separated from the 
American forces, and encompassed by hostile troops. 
A more dangerous enemy than the British bayonet, 
arose in the heart of his camp. Treason presented its 
front, excited by emissaries from Savannah. His in- 
fantry became disaffected, and his own quarter-guard, 
with others, were engaged to murder the Colonel in 
his bed, bayonet the principal officers, and, seizing the 
Governor of Georgia, conduct him a prisoner to the 
enemy. 

Information of this plot was given to Colonel Jack- 
son by an honest dragoon. His cavalry was forth- 
with drawn out, the infantry paraded without arms, a 
charge upon them made by the dragoons, and the 
ring-leaders arrested, tried, condemned, and executed. 
This rigid discipline produced the happiest eifect ; his- 
infantry, in which alone disaffection had existed, behav- 
ing afterwards, in many engagements, with fidelity and 
consummate bravery. Savannah remaining in pos- 
session of the British, the legion was detailed by Gen- 
eral Twiggs, to operate in its vicinity. A statement 
of the various skirmishes in which it acted, would be 
prolix and unprofitable. With it, the Colonel at- 
tacked a post on the Ogeechee, which surrendered ; 
but one of the officers being slain by an American, 
its garrison resumed their arms, and the enterprise 
was defeated. On the same day he assaulted another^ 
held by royal militia, and killed or captured them 
almost to a man; and was himself, in the afternoon,^ 
charged by the entire force of British cavalry from 
Savannah, led by Colonel Campbell in person ; 



80 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

whom, with inferior numbers, he fought with despera- 
tion, destroying or disabling as many of the foes as 
he had himself men engaged in action. AVhen General 
Anthony A\^ayue assumed the direction of affairs in 
Georgia, Colonel Jackson joined him at Ebenezer. 
The legion was, in general orders, designated as the 
advanced corps of the army. In this hazardous ser- 
vice, the Colonel was employed until the reduction of 
Savannah ; experiencing for six months every embar- 
rassment which such a situation could produce in a 
destroyed, swampy, and pestilential country, fifteen 
miles in advance of the main body, exposed to con- 
tinual incursions from the enemy, with not a 
hovel to cover a corps, already in rags, from the 
vicissitudes of the weather. He very often pur- 
sued parties of hostile cavalry to the fortifications of 
Savannah, and picked off men and horses from the 
own commons ; destroyed a magazine of rice, stored 
for the British garrison, within reach of their cannon ; 
})assing through an encampment of diseased tories, 
who had exhibited no mercy for the patriots, but 
whom he humanely spared : drew the enemy into am- 
buscades, from which they greatly suffered; and was 
prominent in the battle of May, 1782, between Gen- 
eral Wayne and Colonel Brown. His last engage- 
ment, and the last in Georgia between the troops of 
the two countries was fought on Skidaway Island on 
the 25th of July. On the 11th of the same month, 
"in consideration of his severe and fatiguing service 
in the advance," as General Wayne was pleased to 
say, the keys of Savannah had been, by the general's 
order, delivered by a committee of British officers to 



JAMES JACKSON. 81 

the Colonel, who was the first American soldier to 
tread the soil of a town, from which the arms of a 
tyrant had too long kept its lawful possessors. 

Closing here our recital of Colonel Jackson's revo- 
lutionary acts, it may be admissible to express our ad- 
miration of that zealous patriotism and gallant bear- 
ing, which, in seven years, elevated a boy without a 
sliiliing, an emigrant without connections, and with 
little patronage, to the rank of lieutenant-colonel in 
the service of his adopted country; honored with the 
friendship of Sumter, Pickens, Morgan, AVayne, and 
Greene, and possessed of the affection and confidence 
of that people, whose destinies he had crossed the 
Atlantic to share — the people of the sovereign State 
of Geoegia. Her legislature, on the 30th July, 1782, 
unanimously voted that he had " rendered many great 
and useful services" to America; and presented to 
him a house and lot in Savannah, "as a mark of the 
sense entertained of his merits." 

The profession to which Colonel Jackson's early 
studies had been directed, demanded his unremitting 
attention. Assisted by the advice of George Walton, 
one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, 
he was soon admitted to its honors and emoluments. 
In 1785, the claims of a family were added to his 
other motives for exertion. In that year he was 
married to Mary Charlotte Young, daughter of Wil- 
liam Young, a deceased patriot, who had been among 
the foremost to raise the standard of freedom. But 
the bar presented a field too limited for his active 
mind. He sought political advancement. By the 
people of Chatham county, he was sent several years, 



82 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

successively, to the State legislature. Early after his 
entering upon political life, the benignity of his heart 
impelled him to support enactments, by which certain 
obnoxious individuals were relieved from the acts of 
confiscation and banishment. But for his influence 
they might never have returned to America, nor re- 
covered a dollar of their estate. The ingratitude of 
our nature was glaringly exhibited in the subsequent 
conduct of many of these pardoned men, who were, 
throughout the life of Colonel Jackson, his most bitter 
and uncompromising foes. And the grovelling, cal- 
culating baseness of that nature, was manifested in an 
offer made for his support by one, who tendered a di- 
rect bribe, which was indignantly rejected. 

In 1786, he was made a brigadier-general, and an 
honorary member of the Cincinnati society. On the 
7th of January, 1788, at the age of thirty years, he 
was elected Governor of Georgia, which office he 
modestly declined, declaring that neither his age nor 
experience would justify acceptance. As brigadier- 
general, however, he proved his readiness to serve his 
country by actively directing, in person, military 
operations for the defence of the counties on the sea- 
board, harassed by predatory and murderous bands of 
Creek Indians. After ratification by Georgia of the 
Federal Constitution, he was, in 1789 chosen to rep- 
resent her Eastern district in the first congress held 
under that sacred instrument. In many of the most 
important debates, now referred to as exhibiting an 
authoritative exposition by that body of the principles 
of the Constitution, General Jackson engaged. In 
1791, his great and sincerely respected friend, Gen- 



JAMES JACKSON. 83 

eral Wayne, who had become a citizen of Georgia, 
and possessed, very justly, the veneration of her peo- 
ple, was induced, doubtless with honest purposes in 
himself, yet certainly, perhaps unconsciously, by the 
instigations of General Jackson's adversaries, to be- 
come, in opposition, a candidate for the same district. 
An animated contest was waged before the people. 
General Wayne was returned. General Jackson pre- 
sented himself before the House of Representatives in 
February, 1792, contested the return, personally con- 
ducted his claim to the seat and obtained a decision, 
awarded without a dissenting voice that General 
Wayne was not entitled to retain it. The House 
refused by the casting vote of the Speaker, to 
declare General Jackson elected. The concluding 
speech of General Jackson is represented, in a pub- 
lished statement of that contested election, one of the 
first under the present Constitution, to have been a dis- 
play of brilliant oratory, followed by long continued 
applause. "With these sentiments, Mr. Speaker," 
said he, in closing, <* I submit the facts that I have 
brought forward to the house ; and with them I com- 
mit the rights of myself, the rights of the State of 
Georgia, and I had almost said the rights of the 
United States, to their decision ; and I beg leave to 
repeat, that A FREE REPRESENTATION is what 
we fought for, A FREE REPRESENTATION is 
what we obtained, A FREE REPRESENTATION 
is what our children should be taught to lisp, and 
our youths to relinquish only with their lives!" 
Charging against General Wayne, for whose charac- 
ter aud service he had profound respect, no improper 



84 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

conduct ; he did uot hesitate to drive home against 
his own enemies accusations of the blackest corruii- 
tion at the polls. His charge was sustained by the 
legislature of Georgia, who in December, 1791, in- 
vestigated the conduct of a judge of her superior 
courts in connection with that election ; General Jack- 
son then a member of the house and of the impeach- 
ing committee. The house unanimously impeached, 
the senate unanimously convicted, and the judge was 
sentenced to loss of office and disqualification for 
thirty years. 

In December, 1792, when again a member of the 
legislature, general Jackson, jealous, like other states- 
men of the jurisdiction assumed by the Supi'eme Court 
in the case of Chisholm against the State of Georgia, 
and believing that, were such jurisdiction permitted, 
the retained sovereignty of the States would be lost, 
introduced resolutions which, sustained by the legis- 
lature, called for, and, in part, produced the eleventh 
amendment of the federal constitution. In this year, 
he was elected a major-general; and was again, in the 
next, employed on the frontiers in repressing the vio- 
lence of our savage foes. lu 1793, 1794, and 1795, 
he was a senator in congress. Recalled by his fellow 
citizens, who (inflamed almost to madness, and dis- 
cerning around them, in every quarter, their rights 
trampled upon by men of highest character) passed 
resolutions in their primary county meetings demand- 
ing his aid at home, he resigned his honorable station, 
and immediately embarked all the faculties of his 
mind, all the firmness of his nature, and all the repu- 
tation he had acquired, in indefatigable exertions to 



JAMES JACKSON. 85 

effect a repeal of the act by which Georgia had sold 
to compauies of speculators millions of acres of her 
western territory. To recall the memory of her deg- 
radation, to assist in extending remembrance of her 
shame, can give no satisfaction to her sons. The 
biographer approaches the subject with loathing, im- 
pelled to it by the obligations he has assumed. His 
painful duty will be comparatively light, if he can 
convince himself that his succinct presentation of the 
speculation shall have the least effect in fastening upon 
the minds of the American people the belief, that 
"the price of liberty is eternal vigilance"; and in con- 
vincing them that, whilst a just confidence is given 
to their public servants, they should be watched with 
eyes that never sleep. A majority of the Georgia 
legislature had been bribed by promises of shares — 
some by certificates of shares, for which they were 
never to pay — others by expectations of slave prop- 
erty. The Ibulest treason had been perpetrated, under 
the guise of legislation. Citizens of the most exalted 
standing from several States, some of them high pub- 
lic functionaries : one a senator from Georgia, whose 
duty required him to have been at his post in Con- 
gress ; others judges, generals, revolutionary charac- 
ters, whose popularity and past services made them 
more dangerous, and served ultimately to heap degra- 
dation upon their heads, had attended at Augusta, in 
January, 1795, and executed their unhallowed pur- 
pose. Georgia had been robbed of her domain — her 
own law givers corrupted and consenting and an in- 
delible stigma fixed upon her fame, her own children 
blackening her escutcheon. The full iniquity of this 



^6 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

nefarious legislation — if usurjjation can be denomi- 
nated legislation — was exposed by General Jackson 
in a series of letters addressed to the people under the 
signature of "Sicilius." At the following session he 
was a member. The all-absorbing subject, with 
the petitions, remonstrances, memorials, and other pro- 
ceedings of the people, was referred to a committee of 
which he was chairman. Testimony was taken upon 
•oath, which established deep and incontrovertible 
guilt. The rescinding law was passed. It was drawn 
and reported by General Jackson, and adopted as it 
-came from his pen. The merits of this latter act — 
its constitutionality — its consistency with republican 
principles — its necessity — its justice — have all been 
freely and ably discussed in our country, in private 
circles, in pamphlets, in the public gazettes, in the 
Congress of the Union, in the Supreiue Court. The 
decision of the country, perhaps, has been against the 
power of the rescinding legislature, so far as innocent 
purchasers under the fraudulent grants were inter- 
ested ; but, whether constitutional or not, nothing is 
more certain than that the honest of every section of 
the United States ; all who detest corruption, admire 
virtue, and regard an honest representation as the 
bulwark of the public liberties, have considered its 
action upon the Yazoo speculation as pure, and its 
motives patriotic. The citizens of Georgia, especially, 
have held in horror and detestation the authors and 
abettors of her humiliation ; and have consecrated with 
their best affections the memories of those who were 
faithful to the State. The Yazoo act repealed, every 
vestige and memorial of its passage expunged from the 



JAMES JACKSON. 87 

public records, aud burut with all the ceremony and 
circumstance which popular indignation demanded, 
the popularity of General Jackson became unrivalled. 
But his happiness and that of his family were de- 
stroyed. By resistance to the speculation, the number 
of his adversaries was vastly augmented. Aristocratic 
pride had been humbled, venality had been exposed, 
visionary fortunes had been prostrated, principalities 
had been lost. His person was repeatedly attacked ; 
his life was often in imminent danger ; and his repu- 
tation was assailed with unrelenting calumnies, from 
one end of the United States to another, wherever pur- 
chasers and sub-purchasers resided, which pursued 
him to the grave. 

General Jackson was, in 1798, a member of the 
convention that formed the present Constitution of 
Georgia. Much, if not the greater part, of this in- 
strument was prepared by him. He was governor from 
January, 1798, to March, 1801. His administration 
was remarkable for efforts to effect a cession of the 
territory now embraced within the States of Alabama 
and Mississippi; for exertions in behalf of the univer- 
sity of Georgia, which commenced operations under 
the venerable Josiah Meigs in 1801; and for the cor- 
dial support he gave to the republican party, in oppo- 
sition to the policy of President John Adams. In 
December, 1801, he resumed his station in the senate 
of the United States. In 1802, he signed, as a com- 
missioner of Georgia, jointly with Abraham Baldwin 
and John Milledge, articles of cession, by which 
Georgia yielded her territory west of the Chattahoo- 
chee. In 1803, certain charges of corruption in office 



88 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

when governor, relating to the Yazoo deposit, were 
preferred against him by one Zachariah Cox. These, 
together with documents in support, were referred by 
the General Assembly of Georgia to a select commit- 
tee ; and the spectacle was presented of a grave in- 
quiry instituted into the official conduct of a citizen, 
charged with accepting a douceur, when at the head 
of the State, who, within a short period previous, had 
stemmed, with indomitable courage and unshaken 
virtue, a torrent of the vilest iniquity ; and had con- 
temptuously rejected overtures, the acceptance of 
which might have imparted princely wealth to himself 
and his posterity. A resolution was reported, and 
adopted by both branches, no one dissenting, that 
General Jackson " had been vilified by the said Zach- 
ariah Cox ; that his conduct was, during his adminis- 
tration, characterized with honesty and disinterested- 
ness ;" and that '' his reputation stands too high in 
the opinion of this legislature, and his fellow-citizens 
at large, to be effected by any malicious insinuations 
or assertions whatsoever." 

General Jackson was a member of the senate until 
March, 1806. In his career in that exalted body, he 
was perfectly independent. He supported the admin- 
istration of Mr. Jefferson only so far as he deemed it 
correct, opposing its measures when his judgment so 
directed, and declaring, in the judiciary debate in 
1802, that "as a political man, he was no more for 
Thomas Jefferson than he was for John Adams. 
When he acts according to my opinion right, I will 
support him ; when wrong, oppose him — and I trust 
that a majority on this floor will always act in the 



JAMES JAOKSOX. 89 

same way." The station of president, j^^'o tempore 
was tendered to him; but he declined it, preferring to 
be on the floor, always ready to resist the claims of 
the grantees and purchasers under the rescinded Geor- 
gia grants, to a large portion of which claims he made 
opposition ending only with his last gasp. He died 
on the 19th March, 1806. Interred four miles from 
Washington, his remains have lately been removed 
to the congressional burial yard. John Randolph of 
Roanoke, his personal friend and political admirer, 
wrote the inscription on the tablet which covers them. 
Mr. Randolph had in youth been inflamed with a high 
respect for his lofty public integrity ; was five years in 
Congress with him, where a personal attachment was 
contracted; and is understood to have said that his 
own life had, in some degree, its model in his. Hence, 
perhaps, connected with his own abhorrence of every- 
thing vile, proceeded Mr. Randolph's invincible hos- 
tility to the Yazoo claims. Georgia has sought to 
perpetuate General Jackson's name and services, by 
giving the first to a county, and by expressions of her 
sense of the last in her legislative resolutions. Her 
gratitude was merited. If there was a passion stronger 
than all others in the heart of General Jackson, that was 
devotion to her service. She was the earthly object of 
his adoration. For her, and in her service, he surren- 
dered all hope of federal distinction and federal ad- 
vantages, which his revolutionary deeds, his civil life, 
his early congressional displays, his acknowledged 
talents, his admitted abilities for public usefulness, 
might have led him to expect. Whilst, with enlarged 
patriotism, he frequently affirmed that the proudest 



90 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

title known to man was that of " An American Citi- 
zen," and warmly cherished the union of the States,. 
and the constitution adopted by the sages and fathers 
of the revolution; he yet regarded Georgia, emphati- 
cally as his country, and as such, congratulated her in 
debate in the senate in 1803. Time has passed away, 
and with it the bitterness of hostility. Prejudice and 
passion have passed, and truth and justice have swayed. 
Whatever may be the violence and conflicts of con- 
tending parties; however, occasionally, authority may 
be claimed for opposing doctrines : in General Jack- 
son's acts and principles it is conceded by all in Geor- 
gia, that never had the union a more patriotic citizen, 
never Georgia a more resolute soldier, a more intelli- 
gent statesman, a more devoted servant. 



JAMES JACKSON. 



91 



From Absalom H. Chaj^peirs Miscellanies of Georgia. 
Parts 2 and 3. 



SECTION YII. 

We have now reached a point in this long and in- 
tricate drama, at which the curtain drops for several 
years on the General Government and Georgia re- 
enters on the scene, to become this time the fierce 
assailant and undoer of the monstrous villainy that 
had been so recently enacted in her Legislature and 
under her name. Though the hue and cry against 
the enormity was first raised, as we have seen, at the 
Federal Capital and by the Federal Executive and 
Congress, yet here at home, the shock was far the 
deepest and most violent. It was here the crime 
struck with its most heinous, deadly eifect, despoiling 
the State at once of a vast public property and her 
precious public honor, — not only robbing her of in- 
valuable territories, but doing it under circumstances 
that brought imputation on her national patriotism 
and magnanimity, — doing it, moreover, by debauch- 
ing her trusted public servants, whom she had chosen 
to be the guardians, not betrayers of her high interests 
and her fair fame. Thus had that crime wounded 
her in a point dearer than landed or monied wealth, 
tarnished her reputation, defiled at its young foun- 
tain head the eternal stream of her history and pol- 
luted the waters mingled with which her name was to 
go down to future times, and especially to her own 
children forever. 



92 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

I design not recounting minutely the oft told, 
familiar story of the State's strong sovereign action 
in resentment and redress of this celebrated wrong. 
That story, at once simple and striking, has ever been 
so much an attractive theme to writers and talkers as 
to have become thread bare and to recoil from any 
thing like a labored handling now. Preliminarily, 
however, it should be told that the first effect of the 
sale on the mass ^f the people was stunning stupefac- 
tion and amazement. They found difficulty in be- 
lieving that the deed had been done. The entire 
failure of the measure before the preceding Legisla- 
ture and the entire quietude and silence in regard to 
it that had ensued, had rendered them unsuspecting 
and secure, and they had let the subject pass off from 
their minds and it occurred not to them that it had 
not been equally dropped by the speculating Com- 
panies. They were unaware that these latter had 
been during the whole interim stealthily, yet indus- 
triously, at work every where, both in and out of 
Georgia, and had really gotten into their hands the 
complete mastery of the game before they again came 
out to light and began to take open steps towards 
their object. It is wonderful what a profound pri- 
vacy they had succeeded in maintaining in their 
widely ramified operations, a privacy kept up to the 
last possible moment. Even after their bill was in- 
troduced, there was no notoriety beyond Augusta and 
its neighborhood that such a measure was on hand. 
No publicity had been given to it, no announcement 
made of it by any name or title pointing to its char- 
acter or contents. A lying title concealed its true 



JAMES JACKSON. 93 

nature which consequently was not indicated by any- 
thing on the journal of either House or in the news- 
papers, which were wont to give only lists of the 
titles of the bills introduced. 

The consequence of all which was that the people 
awoke to find themselves outraged and robbed with- 
out having had any notice of the design or warning 
of their danger or the least chance of outcry and re- 
sistance. At first they were likewise ignorant of the 
turpitude of the means by which the wrong had been 
effected, or what strangers, or who among themselves 
except the guilty members of the Legislature and the 
few grantees named in the act, were concerned in its 
perpetration. They soon, however, became better 
and bitterly enlightened. The astounding discovery 
broke upon them that the cancerous fibres of the 
monstrous transaction pervaded not only the State 
but the United States, and embraced they knew not 
how many powerful and influential names and shrewd, 
unscrupulous characters. They were especially struck 
with the successful pains that had been taken to enlist 
in its interest all the men in Georgia who were prom- 
inent enough to attract the base courtship of the 
Yazooists and pliant enough to become their tools 
and accomplices. Most of those to whom the people 
would naturally have looked to become their leaders 
and to champion their cause in this great emergency, 
were either bought up and subsidized on the side of 
the enemy by their own interests or paralyzed by 
their relations to interested parties. Besides, not 
many men were there, indeed, who were at all com- 
petent to such leadership and championship as was 



94 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

wanted. Nothing short of the highest courage and 
the greatest energy, reputation, talents and self devo- 
tion could constitute the necessary qualifications. He 
who should giv^e himself to the people's service on 
this occasion had need of a charmed life and an in- 
vincible soul, as well as of a concentrated and com- 
manding mind : For assuredly it was a lion's den he 
would have to enter, a fiery furnace through which 
he would have to pass. And by universal concession 
there was but one man in the State, in all respects 
equal and fitted to the exigency, and who at the same 
time had kept himself pure and intact, and but for 
the extraordinary self-abnegation and lofty, patriotic 
intrepidity and devotion of that one man, the people 
would have been without a leader and champion, 
such as the case imperatively required. That man 
was General James Jackson, the noblest and most 
admirable name in the history of Georgia, then a 
member of the United States Senate as Mr. Few's 
successor and General Gunn's colleague. 

I do not know that I can open the part acted by 
this extraordinary man against the Yazoo Fraud 
better than by recalling a personal reminiscence of 
my own full half a century old and more. It was at 
Hancock Superior Court, at April term, 1823, — a 
date at which the Governor was still chosen by the 
Legislature, and as the name of one of those under- 
stood to be aspiring to the office was to be found in 
the old public documents as the owner of a few Yazoo 
subshares, conversation began to be somewhat turned 
to the subject of the Yazoo Fraud and young men, 
especially, were keen inquirers. It was under these 



JAMES JACKSON. Vu 

circumstances that a number of the junior members 
of the bar were sitting one night after supper in the 
large, pleasant room, up stairs, which our good host, 
AVilliam G. Springer, whose soul contended with his 
body, which should be biggest, had assigned to us 
across the street, — when we were agreeably startled 
by Judge Dooly* entering to pay us a visit, — a court- 
esy on the part of the Judges not uncommon in those 
days. The Judge, whose mind was a rich treasury 
of the miscellanies of Georgia, past and present, and 
■whose manner of saying everything was singularly 
plain, condensed and incisive, was soon drawn out on 
the Yazoo Fraud. My recollection has ever since 
been perfectly distinct of the following remark made 
by him in the course of his conversing: "The peo- 
ple," he said, " were generally against the Yazoo sale, 
but the rich and leading men were mostly for it, be- 
cause, in most instances, they or some of their friends 
or relations were interested in it. The people wanted 
to get rid of it, but did not know how to do it. They 
had nobody to lead and contrive for them, and Gen. 
Jackson resigned his seat in the United States Senate 
and came home and ran for the Legislature in Chat- 
ham county, and was elected to lead and contrive for 
the people." 



♦Whoever may feel curious as to what sort of physiognomy 
belonged to that very striking man, John M. Dooly, long the 
Judge of the Northern Circuit, the greatest wit as all agreed, and 
generally conceded to have been also the greatest judicial intel- 
lect of his day, may see a wonderfully true likeness of him 
(Adouised, however,) in the portrait of the celebrated painter, 
Gilbert Stuart, in the 1st Volume of the American Portrait 
'Gallery. 



96 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

Such were the words of Judge Dooly to us young- 
men about Gen. Jackson — words which struck me 
greatly and imprinted themselves indelibly, enkind- 
ling my mind with a most vivid and exalted concep- 
tion of the illustrious character, to whom they related 
and making him from that moment a study and 
almost an idolatry to me. The annals of mankind 
teem with the names of heroes, martyrs, self-sacri- 
ficers, martial, moral, religious — men who have held 
their lives and their ease as nothing in the scale 
against glory, duty, honor; and yet among them all 
I am unable to recollect any instance parallel and 
fully up to this conduct of Gen. Jackson so pointedly 
stated by Judge Dooly, so barely and sleepily men- 
tioned by history. Certainly our own country, vast 
and diversified as it is, has hitherto furnished nothing 
equal to it or like it, nor does it promise according to 
present symptoms ever to do so. Does any man be- 
lieve that there is now to be found in all the low- 
minded ranks of })ower and of the public service a 
single bosom in which even a dormant possibility 
dwells of such sublime, self-denying, unselfish pat- 
riotism? What United States Senator would now 
resign his seat with yet four years to run and come 
home and seek the humblest Representative post 
known to our system of Government, — and all for 
the sake of the people and their rights and vindica- 
tion? 

Gen. Jackson, however, had given some evidence 
on a previous occasion in his life of his capability of 
this ne plus ultra of public virtue. In 1788, when 
but thirty years old, he had been elected to the office 



JAMES JACKSON. 97 

of Governor of the State, and declined accepting it 
upon the ground of lacking age and experience. It 
was in full keeping with this act of noble, patriotic 
modesty and hunaility that he should afterwards in 
1795, have so subjugated an ambition of the most 
ardent and lofty type as to give up the highest and 
become a candidate for the lowest place in political 
service, because he beheld his beloved Georgia in a 
mighty trouble in which she needed the sacrifice from 
him, and in which by making it he could do so much 
more and better for her, although at the cost of doing 
so much less and M'orse for himself. 

For well he knew not only what he was surrender- 
ing, but also to what he was exposing himself when 
he magnanimously resolved to descend from the high 
round of the political ladder to which he had climbed 
down to the very bottom, there to scuffle and fight, 
"lead and contrive for the people," both against all 
the bad men who had combined, and all the good 
men who had been misled, to become the State's be- 
trayers and robbers, or the supporters of its betrayers 
and robbers. He knew what enemies he was neces- 
sitating himself to make and how deeply they would 
be envenomed against him, and that their thirst for 
his blood would be only less keen than their greed 
for the prey he was bent on snatching from their 
grasp. He knew, in fine, that from the first moment 
to the last of the work on which he was entering, he 
would have to carry his life in his hand, although the 
ultimate fate that awaited him lay concealed from 
human view, and none could foresee that a life so dear 
and invaluable was destined to pass away, alas ! so 



^8 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

prematurely — a slow-wasting sacrifice, long offered 
up on the altar of Georgia's interest and honor.* 

From the first Gen. Jackson had been outspoken and 
vehement in his denunciations of the sale, and had 
•contributed greatly to rousing the popular rage against 
it. This, — even before he had doifed his Senatorial 
robes for a candidacy for the State Legislature, and 
thereby formally entered the lists as the people's 
leader and champion against a host of powerful and 
unscrupulous men whose mortal fear and hatred he 
thenceforward incurred. The people at once hailed 



*Col. Benton, in his Abridgement of the Congressional Debates, 
Yol. III. twice comments upon Gen. Jackson, and the cause of 
his death. At p. 338 is the following note at the close of the 
•debate on the 1l azoo Claims : 

" Mr. Kandolph was the great opposer of these claims in Con- 
gress and General Jackson their great opposer in Georgia. It was 
he, who aroused the feeling that overthrew the General Assembly 
who made the grant, and elected the Legislature which annulled 
i,he Act, and burned the record of it. He was in the Senate of 
the United States with James Gunn,the Senator alluded to in the 
debate as being engaged in the Fraud, and lost his life in the last 
of the many duels which his opposition to that measure brought 
upon him." 

And again on page 465, in a note to the proceedings in Congress 
on the occasion of Gen. Jackson's death, March 19th, 1806, Col. 
Benton says among other things: "He was a man of marked 
character, high principle and strong temperament — honest, 
patriotic, brave, hating tyranny, oppression and meanness in every 
form ; the bold denouncer of crime in high as well as in low 
places ; a ready speaker, and as ready with his pistol as his tongue, 
and involved in many duels on account of his hot opposition to 
■criminal measures. The defeat of the Yazoo Fraud was the most 
signal act of his Legislative life, for which he paid the penalty of 
his life, dying of wounds received in the last of the many duels, 
which his undaunted attacks upon that measure brought upon 
.him." 



JAMES JACKSON. 99 

him and rallied to him, and it was not long before 
under his brave auspices and their fierce enthusiasm the 
battle into which they had plunged was substantially 
won. For the storm quickly overspread the State 
with a violence that appalled the Yazooists and their 
myrmydoms, and they everywhere slunk and cowered 
before it long before the election day came. But still 
Jackson's hot and heavy blows were not mitigated, 
nor did the people's vengeful energy slacken. It was 
more than even the bravo, Gunn, could brave or bear. 
He became utterly paralyzed and annihilated, as it 
were, by the intense, crushing detestation of which 
he was sensible of having become the object, and we 
hear no more of him whatever except that he con- 
tinued to occupy to the last day of his new, basely 
gotten term, the seat in the National Senate, which he 
at once obscurely filled and flagrantly dishonored. 
The bribed Senators and Representatives in the Legis- 
lature met from their constituents a fate similar to 
that of their bribing, bullying chief. The tempest of 
public indignation against them was such as made not 
a few of them tremble for their personal safety on 
their return home. But their fears were groundless. 
Such was the orderly, law abiding character of our 
ancestors, except in cases where society is obliged to 
resort to the " higher law " for its purgation and pro- 
tection, that, content with the sort of penalty which 
God inflicted on Cain, they simply branded their 
culprit legislators and consigned them to political 
death and social ostracism and infamy. 

Since to this cause we owe a better work than could 
have been gotten at its hands, namely, the glorious 



100 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

old Constitution of 1798, the time-honored mental 
product of the illustrious Jackson and his anti-Yazoo 
compatriots, under which Georgia long grew and 
prospered, still clinging to it with increasing reverence 
for nearly seventy years until finally in these evil 
latter days it was, to her eternal sorrow, overthrown 
and thrust aside by a conquering despotism and un- 
reasoning bayonets. 

When the great disappointment occasioned by the 
above told gross infidelity of the Convention came 
upon the people, when they saw what a scurvy, per- 
nicious trick had been played off on them from that 
high quarter and perceived themselves cheated, 
wronged, betrayed at every turn, first by their Legis- 
lature and then by their Convention, then it was that 
their fierce indignation rose to its acme. Then it was 
that enraged and bewildered, they ielt intensely the 
need of somebody on whom they could repose a true 
and boundless trust, on whom they could fully rely to 
lead and contrive for them, to conquer and crush in 
their behalf in this matter. Then it was that they 
called upon their most idolized man. Gen. James 
Jackson, to leave his proud seat among the Conscript 
Fathers of the Union, the constitutional counsellors 
of Washington, and to come at once to their help and 
headship. Then it was that with a sublime alacrity 
and devotion, he instantly responded to a call which 
his own fiery sentiments and denunciations had largely 
inspired. Without a moment's hesitation he resigned 
his Senatorship and dismounting, as it were, from 
the equestrian rank, trode the ground once more, a pri- 
vate soldier, merging himself with the people as one 



JAMES JACKSON. 101 

of themselves and literally fighting on foot in their 
midst from May to November, to which time the elec- 
tion had been changed by the recent Convention. 
Behold him there covered with dust, assailed by hatred, 
the target of the enemy's deadliest aim throughout 
the long canvass. Behold him, " leading, contriving 
for the people," toiling with tongue and pen, with 
mind and body, facing and defying every danger, 
devoting himself in every way, sparing himself in 
none, A spectacle, how replete with all that can be 
conceived of the sublime and beautiful in political 
conduct ! His work was done fearlessly and thor- 
oughly. His spirit pervaded all Georgia and entered 
like a higher life the souls of her people. The enemy 
strived at first to make some show of a stand against 
him and his brave yeomanry, but in vain. In all 
parts of the State the victory was complete and resulted 
in returning him and his friends and supporters to 
the Legislature by an overwhelming majority in both 
branches. 

Of course, in that Legislature he was the master- 
spirit — the dictator and controller. But not much of 
study or effort was needed from him there. Execu- 
tion alone was the watchword and work. What had 
to be done was already prefixed and pronounced by 
the people at the polls, rendering the duty and action 
of their Representatives as plain, simple and unob- 
structed as it was grand, imposing and important. 
That duty was to repeal the Yazoo Act, to annul and 
rescind the Yazoo Sale as unconstitutional, fraudulent 
and void, a huge treachery, a heinous conspiracy of 
the buyers and sellers against the people, the offspring 



102 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

of bribery aud corruption. This duty upon full and 
convincing proofs laid before them they unflinchingly 
performed. Whilst the State was thus asserting and 
enforcing her unaltered ownership of the vast terri- 
tories of which it had been sought to despoil her, she 
by the same Act disavowed all claim to the vile pur- 
chase money that had been thrust into her Treasury 
and directed it to be restored to those from whom it 
came cr to whom it might belong. Moreover, to 
give the greater emphasis to her sovereign fiat of con- 
demnation and annulment, she ordered every vestige 
of the accursed transaction to be obliterated from her 
records and the huge, pretentious enrollment of the 
Act itself to be given to the flames, consecrated 
although it was by accumulated high and solemn sig- 
natures and by the great Seal of Georgia pendant in 
massive wax. The high, unexampled, damnatory 
sentence was duly carried into execution under the 
broad, bright sky, on the beautiful State House Square, 
at Louisville, the new seat of Government, in the 
presence of the Governor and Legislature and a 
mighty assemblage of the people. And according to 
a tradition, which cannot be doubted, for it has 
descended to us uncontradicted in a continuous current 
from that period to the present day, a holy, religious 
eelat, significant of the Divine displeasure on the great 
iniquity, was shed over the scene by drawing down 
the consuming fire from heaven with a sun-glass 
before that immense aud imposing multitude of 
witnessing eyes. 

Congress spoke, and on the 7th of April, 1798, 
passed an Act empowering the President of the United 



JAMES JACKSON. 103 

States to appoiut three Commissioners, whose duty, 
among other things, it should be to receive from 
such commissioners as should be appointed on the 
part of Georgia any proposals for the relinquishment 
or cession of the whole or any part of the territory 
claimed by the State lying out of its ordinary jurisdic- 
tion. 

This act was undoubtedly passed in anticipation of 
the Convention's soon meeting, and in the confidence 
that that Body would receive it as an overture for a 
cession and honor it as such with a suitable response. 
Nor was this confidence disappointed. How was it 
possible that it should have been ? For of that Con- 
vention the noble Jackson, although Governor of the 
State at the time, was a member, master-spirit there 
too as in the anti- Yazoo Legislature of 1796, — sur- 
rounded now as he was then, by his most choice, en- 
lightened and pure-minded compatriots. From such 
men no botched work could come when a great public 
duty was to be performed. And certainly nothing 
could be more thorough and perfect than what actually 
came from their hands in regard both to the Yazco 
subject and the State's Western territory. Whi^t 
they did was to erect an express constitutional barrier 
against the sale of the territory of the State or any 
part of it to individuals or private companies unless a 
county or counties, should have first been laid off in- 
cluding such territory, and the Indian rights thereto 
should have been first extinguished also. Auybo('y 
can see at a glance how completely this prohibition 
goes to the bottom of things, exterminating the very 
roots and all possibility .in the future of such crimes 



104 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

and misdoiugs as the two Yazoo sales had been. It 
is not in this provision, however, although it was wise 
and statesman-like in the highest degree, that we find 
the response that was wanted to the above mentioned 
Congressional overture. That presents itself in an- 
other clause which enables the Legislature to sell or 
contract to the United States all or any part of the 
State's Western domain lying beyond the Chatta- 
hoochee, and then again still further in that third 
clause which authorizes the Legislature to give its 
consent to the establishment by the United States of 
one or more governments westward of that river. 
Behold here implanted in our long honored Constitu- 
tion of 1798, by the magnanimous men who then held 
sway in Georgia, the germ of the memorable cession 
of April, 1802, and of the two great States of Alabama 
and Mississippi. 

These provisions show that the sense of the Con- 
vention was in favor of a cession to the United States. 
The first Legislature under the new Constitution, 
being of like opinion, proceeded at once to take 
measures for carrying out the object. On the 6th of 
December, 1799, it passed an Act appointing Com- 
missioners to settle with those of the United States 
the terms of the cession ; to which Act the ensuing 
Legislature of 1800, made an amendment, adding to 
the list of Commissioners on the part of the State the 
name of Gen. Jackson, who was now filling a second 
gubernatorial term, but had just been chosen by the 
Legislature to the United States Senate as successor to 
Gen. Gunn, whose time was to expire on the 3d of 
March ensuing. 



JAMES JACKSON. 105 

The great business now proceeded at a quickened 
pace. Assuming it as certain that the ultimate and 
early event would be a vast territorial cession, em- 
bracing the Yazoo lands, Congress had already in 
May, 1800, amended the aforementioned Act of April, 
1798, by imposing on the National Commissioners 
therein created, a heavy and tedious additional duty 
which would and could only arise after the cession 
had been made, — the duty, namely, of investigating 
all claims against the lands ceded, of receiving from 
the claimants propositions for the compromise and 
settlement of their claims, and of laying a full state- 
ment of the whole, together with their opinion thereon, 
before Congress for its decision thereon. Mr. Jefferson 
upon entering on the Presidency found the appointing 
of these Commissioners one of the first matters de- 
manding his attention. His sense of the exceeding 
magnitude and importance of the duties to be devolved 
on them is strongly attested by the men he selected* 
They were none other than three of the members of 
his Cabinet — Mr. Madison, his Secretary of State, 
Mr. Gallatin, his Secretary of the Treasury, and Mr. 
Lincoln, his Attorney General. A grander and more 
imposing set of Commissioners for any object or pur- 
pose whatever was never anywhere constituted, 
whether we regard the illustrious character and ability 
of the men or their ripe, thorough statesmanship and 
public experience, or the splendor and importance 
of the offices they were then actually holding near the 
President. Their very appointment shows that Mr. 
Jefiferson contemplated that in performing their trust 
as Commissioners they were to be all the while acting 



106 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

under the responsibility that attached to thera as com- 
ponents of his Administration. 

Fully -worthy of association and conference with 
such men were the Commissioners on the part of 
Georgia, — Jackson, Baldwin, and Milledge, — whose 
functions, however, were to be more simple and of 
shorter continuance, confined to the single business of 
negotiating and signing the cession expected to be 
made by the State — a work which w-as completed on 
the 24th day of April, 1802, whereby Georgia con- 
veyed to the United States all the territory stretching 
from her present Western boundary to the Mississippi 
river, and lying between the 31st and the 35th 
parallels of Latitude. In consideration of which 
the United States agreed to pay Georgia a million and 
a quarter of dollars, and to be at the expense of ex- 
tinguishing for her the Indian occupancy on all the 
territory still retained by the State. 

Of Gen. Jackson himself it is meet and would 
be both grateful and rewarding that something further 
should be said and told, even though it carry us back 
beyond the Revolutionary era. For it is attended 
alike with pleasure and profit to follow and observe 
such a man from his early beginnings and through 
all his vicissitudes. What we have already had occa- 
sion to see and know about him naturally excites curi- 
osity to know more, and we would fain get a full view 
of one so marked and superior, so much above the 
world's ordinary standard and requirements, so much 
a pride and honor to our common nature; — one whom 
such a judge as Thos. Spalding, himself assuredly a 
most noble man and who enjoyed the amplest op- 



JAMES JACKSON. 107 

portuuities, in his long and honorable life, of know- 
ing men of distinction in Europe and America, ad- 
visedly pronounced, forty odd years after his death, 
" the noblest man with whom it had been his lot to 
be acquainted."* 

He landed on our shores from his native England 
in 1772, a lone lad of fifteen years. Of virtuous and 
respectable parentage, breeding and connexions, we 
cannot but suppose that he had at that immature age 
already strongly evinced safe and superior qualities of 
mind and character and given evidences of high 
future promise ; — otherwise his father would hardly 
have consented, nor would such a man as Mr. Wereat, 
a name of great note and respect [in our Colonial 
and Revolutionary annals and at one time Acting 
Governor of the State, have advised him to consent 



*Bencli and Bar of Georgia — vol. 2, page 102. Title, John 
Houston. See there a letter from Mr. Spalding to Maj. Miller, of 
the 19th October, 1850, from which the following is an extract : 

"It gives me pleasure to state that Gen. James Jackson, the 
noblest man with whom it has been my lot to be acquainted, 
when I called upon him as Governor to give me a letter to Mr. 
King, our then Minister in London, kept me to dine with him; 
and asked me what were Mr. Gibbons' receipts from his profes- 
sion." I replied, '' Three thousand pounds per annum."' " My 
own were about that amount when I unwisely left my profession 
for politics. Mr. Gibbons, as a whole, was the greatest lawyer in 
Georgia." Let me say to you that Gen. Jackson and Mr. Gib- 
bons had exchanged three shots at each other. They were con- 
sidered the bitterest enemies by the public. A high-minded man 
knows no enmity." 

I had intended to add here a few words of my own about Mr. 
Spalding, whom I knew, revered and held in the highest honor. 
But on turning to the notice of him in White's Historical Sketches 
of Georgia, I prefer it to anything I can write. It will be found 
in full as a note at the end of this chapter. 



108 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

to his son's coming to America under his Mr. Wereat's 
auspices, to make his own way and buikl up his for- 
tunes in this remote and then wild part of the earth. 
We are told that his father was a strenuous lover of 
freedom and free Government and of the rights of 
the people as against arbitrary power, — and partic- 
ularly that he was a warm sympathizer with the Colo- 
nies in their as yet bloodless quarrel with the mother 
country for their rights and liberties. These princi- 
ples and sentiments young Jackson had deeply im- 
bibed before quitting the parental roof and indeed 
they largely influenced his emigration and casting his 
lot here. Accordingly, it was not long after reach- 
ing his new home in Georgia, before they shone out 
in his warm participation in the feelings and proceed- 
ings which were even then beginning to herald the 
approaching Revolution. 

The very pursuit to which his father and Mr. 
Wereat had destined him in Georgia is proof of their 
high opinion of his capacity and endowments. For 
although so young, he was, upon his arrival in Savan- 
nah, at once put to the study of law in the office of 
Samuel Farley, Esq., applying himself at the same 
time to such other studies as were necessary to the 
completion of his general education. AVith what 
enthusiasm, industry and success he applied himself, 
some idea may be formed from the fact handed down 
from his own lips by Mr. Spalding, that after the Rev- 
olutionary war and before embarking in politics, he 
practiced law so prosperously that his professional 
earnings at their acme reached to the sum of £3,000 
per annum — a prodigious amount when we consider 



JAMES JACKSON. 109 

the small population and the still smaller wealth, com- 
merce and resources of Georgia in those times. 

Before, however, finishing his studies and coming 
to the Bar, and whilst yet a mere stripling, he, like 
that other glorious young genius of the day-spring of 
the Revolution, Alexander Hamilton, betwixt whom 
and himself there are not wanting strong points of 
resemblance, obeyed the impulse of courage, ambi- 
tion, patriotism and a passionate love of liberty and 
hastened to exchange his books and seclusion for 
arms and the din of war. 

It comports not with ray plan to enter into the 
minute details of the young soldier's Revolutionary 
career, and indeed nothing could be more unnecessary. 
For are they not to be found written in every book 
of the chronicles of Georgia? — where, among the 
many things in relation to him, it is recorded that 
his first feat of arms (a very daring and purely vol- 
unteer affair of himself and a little band of other 
patriots, resulting in their burning several of the en- 
emy's armed vessels which had grounded in proceeding 
up the river against the city) won for him much ap- 
plause and a lieutenancy. Soon a captaincy rewarded 
his rapidly developing martial merits. And so he 
continued to rise, never failing to justify his promo- 
tions by his performances — until at length we see him 
before the end of the war by Gen. Greene's appoint- 
ment and the confirmation of Congress, the com- 
mander, in his 24th year, of a mixed legion of cav- 
alry and infantry. On every occasion and in every 
position throughout the long, harsh struggle, he added 
to his steadily growing reputation. Victory brought 



110 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

him laurels which, so fine was ever his conduct, no 
adversities or reverses that befel him could take away 
or dim. For alike in distress and in good fortune he 
exhibited fertile and brilliant capacity, an unflinch- 
ing devotion to duty, indefatigable activity and a 
heroism not to be cowed by wounds, perils, fatigues ; 
nor by hunger, thirst and nakedness, nor all the other 
nameless discouragements and sufferings of ill-pro- 
vided war and campaigning in the woods and swamps 
of lower Georgia and Carolina against an enemy en- 
trenched and under cover in Auguota, Savannah and 
Charleston, and continually sallying out from these 
strongholds as assailants, pursuers, marauders, devas- 
tators — and then rushing back again to their shelter 
when routed or endangered or wearied out or sated 
with spoliation. Such an impression did his extraor- 
dinary merits and services in the closing scenes of the 
war in Georgia make on his General, that renowned 
soldier and commander, Anthony Wayne, that on the 
occasion of the final surrender of Savannah by the 
British to our arms in July, 1782, he honored him by 
ordering that the formal surrender should be made 
into his hands. And accordingly it was so done by 
the keys of the city being delivered up to him by tlie 
evacuating British commander in presence of both 
armies. 

One of those remarkable incidents which, by reason 
of befalling men of celebrity, often become canon- 
ized in history, is related to have occurred during the 
gloomiest period of the Revolution to him and his 
young friend, John Milledge, the same who after- 
wards became a Representative and then a Senator in 



JAMES JACKSON. Ill 

Congress, and Governor also of the State — in honor 
of whom likewise Milledgeville was named. 

Dnring the utter prostration of our cause in lower 
Georgia, consequent on the fall of Savannah, in 
1778, these undaunted youthful patriots repaired to- 
gether to South Carolina to see service. Whilst on 
their way to join Gen. Moultrie's standard "barefoot 
and in rags, these sons of liberty," we are told, ''were 
apprehended as spies by some American soldiers and 
condemned to be hung. The gallows was actually 
prepared, and but for the timely arrival of Maj. De- 
vaux, who accidentally heard of the transaction, the 
two young patriots would have been executed."* Be- 
hold here in our own annals an authentic fact which, 
taken in connection with the subsequent eminence 
and illustriousness of both the men, surpasses any- 
thing in history, nay, even excels that famous antique 
fiction of Belisarius, old and blind, begging a penny,t 
victim of Justinian's imperial ingratitude and cruelty 
after a lifetime of the hardships and dangers of war 
in his service, and an hundred victories won for him 
and declining Rome. 

The long revolutionary struggle being at last ended 
and the occupation of arms at an end with it, peace 
found Col. Jackson standing amidst the ruins of the 
recent war like thousand of his brother officers and 
soldiers in utter poverty — houseless, penniless, with- 
out means or employment — with no resources but 
such as existed in his own mind and character, and in 



«White Statistics of Georgia, page 337. White's Hist. Coll., 
page 210. National Portrait Gallery. Title, James .Jackson. 
t"Da Beiisario obolum. 



112 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

the boundless love aud admiration of his fellow-citi- 
zens, a love and admiration heightened by a sense of 
gratitude for his services — all which was well attested 
by legislative resolutions of thanks and honor, and 
the gift to him by the State of a house and home in 
the city of Savannah. 

But by nothing could he be paralyzed or rendered a 
cypher. It was a necessity of his nature and charac- 
ter that he should cherish and pursue high aims under 
all circumstances, adverse or prosperous, of peace or 
of war. He went instantly to work in the arduous, 
aspiring profession to which he had been early dedi- 
cated. As we have already seen, he had stored and 
trained his mind by juridical and miscellaneous studies 
before the Revolution, and during it not in arms alone 
was he developed and exercised. Led by duty and 
martial ardor to harangue his commands on many a 
trying occasion, he found out and cultivated that rare 
talent of ready, effective, stirring eloquence with 
which nature, study, self-discipline and practice com- 
bined gradually to endow him in a distinguished man- 
ner. This bright, crowning talent coming in aid of 
his general mass of ability and knowledge, and of his 
great energy, uprightness, industry, and enthusiasm, 
he rose rapidly at the Bar and won the triumphant 
success there to which allusion has been made. So 
striking was his success and such the impression he 
made of possessing qualifications equal to any, the 
highest, spheres of public service, that his fellow-cit- 
izens soon looked forward with pride to his future 
career and foresaw the honors of the patriot-states- 
man clustering on his brow along with those, already 



\ 



JAMES JACKSON. 



113 



won, of the fornra aud the field. It was at this stage, 
in 1788, that the office of Governor was tendered 
him, but which his modesty declined, on the ground of 
the want of age and political experience. For though 
his ambition was high and mettlesome, yet it was far 
from being prurient and self-blinding, and did not 
lead him to think that what eervice he had seen in 
our Legislature, and which was all the political appren- 
ticeship he had then had, was sufficient to fit one so 
young for the chief magistracy of the State. 

There was, however, another great and interesting 
political theater just opening at the time, better suited 
to his years, his genius, and his training, and for 
which he felt a predilection that may have had some 
subtle influence, for aught we know, in disinclining 
him to the Governorship. For the new Federal Con- 
stitution had been now adopted, and in apportioning 
the representation of the States in Congress, there 
had been given to Georgia three members in the Lower 
House, and the Legislature at its first meeting after- 
wards had divided the State into three Congressional 
Districts for the election of those members. Gen. 
Jackson became a candidate and a successful one in 
the First or Eastern District, composed of the coun- 
ties of Chatham, Liberty, Effingham, Glynn and Cam- 
den. In the Second or Middle District Abraham 
Baldwin was chosen, aud in the Third or Western, 
George Mathews. All over the United States, like- 
wise, the people rallied in their respective States to 
make choice of their Representatives in this their First 
Congress under the new Federal system, and the Leg- 
islatures of the several States proceeded also to elect 



114 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

their first National Senators. Slowly and not with- 
out a seeming of backwardness and diffidence did the 
great historic body get together and go about its 
mighty task of building up from the very bottom, on 
a plan prefixed and wholly novel, a vast and complex 
Republican Empire. On the appointed day of meet- 
ing, the 4th of March, 1789, only eight Senators and 
thirteen Representatives were in attendance. Gradu- 
ally other members came, but so scatteringly that it 
was as late as the first of April before a quorum ap- 
peared in the Lower House, and five days later still 
before there was one in the Senate, nor was it until 
the 30th of the month that Washington was installed 
and the new Government ready to go to work. 

In the illustrious assemblage of tried, picked men 
with whom Gen. Jackson now saw himself associated 
in the National service, there was not a younger poli- 
tician to be found than himself. So he himself tells 
us in one of his speeches. '=^ And yet those who will 
follow him, as I have done, through the volumes con- 
taining the debates of that memorable, three-sessioned 
Congress, will perceive that he carried with him into 
that body not only the exalted manly fervor and public 
spirit appropriate to his age, temperament and patri- 
otic character, but also such thorough and various 
preparation of mind and knowledge, such accurate 
acquaintance with the subjects that had to be discussed, 
and such sense, talent and readiness in discussing 
them, in fine, such a judicious activity and such sound, 
enlightened views, as would have done honor to gray 



'•Gules' Debates of the First Congress, vol. 1, page 1,266. 
Benton's Abr. Debates, vol. 1, page 210. 



JAMES JACKSON. 115 

bairs and veteran statesmanship, and soon secured to 
him rank and consideration among his fellow-mem- 
bers. Keeping attention closely upon him throughout 
this, his two-years' Congressional novitiate, we at 
times cannot help feeling wonder, as in the very par- 
allel case of Alexander Hamilton, that under all the 
actual circumstances of his whole preceding life he 
should have been able to make himself what he was 
in mental culture and discijjline, and to have amassed 
such intellectual stores, especially of the political 
kind, as he showed himself to possess. Nothing but 
a very superior constitution of mind and nature, com- 
bined with high ambition and indefatigable energy, 
industry and application can explain the rare and in- 
teresting phenomenon. 

But whilst he was thus devoting himself to his 
country's service and acquiring a proud name in Con- 
gress, intelligence reached him there toward the end 
of his term, of an event at home for which he was 
unprepared and which was well calculated to sting 
him to the quick and rouse all the lion in his nature. 
The 3d of January, 1791, was the time of the elec- 
tion for the next Kepresentative term. Though 
standing again as a candidate, yet with a noble con- 
scientiousness and full of trust in his strength with the 
people, he stirred not from his distant post of duty, 
but faithfully remained there — leaving his election to 
the care of his constituents. That care happened not 
to be adequate to the needs of the case. It did not 
prevent frauds and lawless irregularities, the result of 
which was that he was superseded, and Gen. Anthony 
Wayne, now become a citizen of Georgia, the famed 



116 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

hero of Stony Point, the recoverer of Savannah and 
Lower Georgia from the British, the winner also of 
countless laurels at Brandywine, Germantown, Mon- 
mouth, and on 'other hard fought fields of the Revo- 
lution, was returned in his stead. 

Perfectly characteristic was Gen. Jackson's dealing 
with the criminalities of this election, and particularly 
with the two most conspicuous criminals. His inves- 
tigations, his denunciations and his vengeance were 
prompt and severe. The most outrageous villainy 
was that enacted in Camden county by Osborne, 
Judge of the Superior Court, who, after the close of 
the regular election in the day-time, not satisfied with 
the result, got possession of the legal returns and 
substituted therefor during the night the forged re- 
turns of a sham election. Short breathing time had 
he to exult over the success of this foul perpetration. 
The very next Legislature saw him arraigned for the 
crime, impeached by the House of Representatives, 
dragged before the Senate, tried convicted and expelled 
from office, — the only precedent of the kind in any case 
higher than that of a Land Lottery Commissioner that 
has ever occurred in the State. The other worst in- 
iquity was practiced in Effingham county. It consisted 
of illegal management of the election and some illegal 
voting besides, under the inimical counsel and influ- 
ence of Thomas Gibbons, a man of very strong, de- 
termined character and great courage and ability, and 
much noted throughout a long and prosperous after- 
life, though never engaged in any but private and 
professional pursuits. He quitted Savannah, where 
he lived, and repaired to Effingham for the purpose of 



JAMES JACKSON. 117 

working there in the election against Gen. Jackson. 
It was the terrible denunciations which the part he 
thus acted brought down upon him from Gen. Jack- 
son in his speech before the House of Representatives 
contesting the election, that, doubtless, led to the duel 
and ' the three shots ' between them of which Mr. 
Spalding makes mention.* 

The Congress to which Gen. Wayne was returned 
assembled on the 24th of October, 1791. At the end 
of a week from that date we find him in his seat as a 
member where he had been but a fortnight when he was 
disturbed by Gen. Jackson appearing and contesting 
his right to that seat. The contest lasted several 
months. Gen. Wayne remaining in his seat and exer- 
cising full Representative functions all the while. 
The investigations were thorough and brought out 
abundant proof that the General's election was illegal 
but none whatever implicating the General himself in 
any of the illegal means by which it had been effected. 
Nor was there ever any imputation against him per- 
sonally in connection with the election. It was the 
not uncommon case of a candidate's partizans without 
his participation or privity doing wrong things and 
going criminal lengths for him from which he himself 
would have revolted. No final actiou was reached by 
the House till late in March when a decision was pro- 
nounced setting aside both the contestants, declaring a 
vacancy and calling for a new election, at which Mr. 
Milledge was chosen, neither Gen. Wayne or Gen. 



* For a report of all the facts touching this election and of Gen. 
Jackson's speech, see Clarke's Book of Congressional contested 
elections — pp. 47-68. 



118 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

Jackson entering the lists as a candidate, and so both 
these very eminent and meritorious men were sent 
into retirement. 

But their exile was short and more than compen- 
sated by their being each soon called to a more ex- 
alted and important sphere of public employment. 
Gen. Wayne, than whom no truer son of Mars ever 
intensified the splendor of the American arms, being 
solicited by Washington, almost iminediately resumed 
the sword and went at once to that invetei-ate theatre 
of Indian hostilities and British tamperings on the 
Lake frontier where our armies had for years been so 
unlucky, and there in August, 1794, at the great bat- 
tle of the Miami of the Lakes, the greatest and most 
memorable in all our annals of Indian warfare, re- 
paired the disasters of Harmar and St. Clair and by a 
bloody arbitrament opened the way to that permanent 
Indian peace in the North-West which Washington 
was, as we have seen heretofore,* successful, by peace- 
ful diplomatic means, in bringing about the South and 
South-W^est. This signal and priceless triumph of 
Wayne's generalship shone the more brilliantly under 
the dark contrast of the defeat of his predecessors and 
it may be regarded, too, somewhat as a death halo 
settling on his brow, as it was the last fighting exploit 
of a life that was not to last much longer. For he 
survived but two years more, dying in the service and 
at his post on the Indian frontier, Commander-in-Chief 
of the Army of the United States. So it is inscribed 
on the monument erected to him at his birthplace in 



* In the article on the Oconee War, Part I. 



JAMES JACKSON. 119 

Chester, Pennsylvania, by bis bretbren of tbe Society 
of tbe Cincinnati. 

And be died also still a citizen and a cberisbed 
adopted son of Georgia. For in passing from ber ser- 
vice into tbat of tbe United States, be passed not from 
ber embrace nor lost bis domicil, at once tribute of 
gratitude and memorial of bouor, on ber soil. He 
tborougbly won ber devotion wben as second in com- 
mand to Gen. Greene* in tbe Soutb, be bad wrougbt 
out tbe full deliverance of tbe State from tbe enemy 
towards tbe close of tbe Revolution. And in fact tbe 
successes of Greene and Wayne in tbe extreme Soutb 
bad nearly as mucb to do in bringing tbe war to a close 
as tbe more impressive and celebrated triumpb of 
Washington over Cornwallis in Virginia. As a con- 
sequence of these great Southern services, Wayne as 
well as Greene was remembered by Georgia wben 
peace came, and she acknowledged ber heavy debt to 
him by bestowing on bim a fine estate near Savan- 
nah on the soil be bad rescued. And hence like Gen. 
Greene he was led to make Georgia his home. Tbe 
precise time of his coming I have no means of fixing, 
but it was certainly later than tbe year 1787, for we 
find bim in the last months of that year still a citizen 
of Pennsylvania, and serving as a delegate in her Con- 
vention called to ratify the new Federal Constitution. 
That be should have become Gen. Jackson's opponent 
for Congress was undoubtedly a circumstance of a na- 
ture to inspire regret at the time of its occurrence, 
and for a long while afterwards. For it was just one 

* See his speech on Mrs. Greene's Claims, I. Vol. Benton's 
Abr. 335-6. 



120 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

of those contests in which our grief over the party that 
should be defeated was incapable of compensation by 
any joy that we could feel at the success of his rival. 
That grief too was in this case not a little exasperated 
and tinctured with resentment on account of the rep- 
rehensible means by which success had been achieved. 
But here again we take comfort, for that General 
Wayne was personally untouched by the foul arts em- 
ployed in his behalf and stands clear of reproach alike 
from the public and his own conscience and his 
wronged and irritated competitor. And now at this 
remote day looking back on the whole affair and see- 
ing how it proved eventually harmless alike to the two 
Generals and the country, it cannot be otherwise than 
that the present generation of the people of Georgia, 
filially avaricious of every ray of honor that can be 
counted to her brow, must feel pride at such a specta- 
cle in her history as Anthony Wayne attracted by her 
generous love and gratitude to become one of her 
citizens, and as such suing for her suffrages as a can- 
didate for Congress and actually serving her for nearly 
five months as a Representative in Congress, blame- 
less himself in being there, however great the blame 
of others for the means used to put him there. 

He was born early in the year 1745, which made 
him older than Gen. Jackson by more than a dozen 
years. Like Jackson he was of good ancestry, ot 
superior soldierly stock particularly, his grandfather 
having fought with reputation as the commander of 
a squadron under King William III. at the Battle of 
the Boyne, in 1690, and his father having been dis- 
tinguished as well in expeditions against the Indians 




m«<>« GKjn- AjmioiyT ^vaxpte. 




^?^-^ 



JAMES JACKSON. 121 

as in civil affairs in Pennsylvania in the Colonial 
times. And that he inherited the martial temper 
and bravery and the strong military bent of his race 
was manifest not only by all his actions and career, 
but is strikingly visible in his very looks and linea- 
ments, heroic and spirited in the highest degree, as 
they have come down to us on canvass. His early 
advantages were of a high order and were so well im- 
proved that we may set him down as having had an 
education ample for the purposes of a life of activity 
and distinction either in peace or war. It is not sur- 
prising that these advantages aided by family and 
connexion, by superior endowments of mind and per- 
son, by the winning power of a promising, aspiring 
young manhood and by his noble ardor and forward- 
ness from the very first in the cause of the uprising 
colonies, should have obtained for him at the begin- 
ning of the war a position which the youthful and 
orphan Jackson with all his merits did not succeed in 
reaching till near its end, — that of a Colonelcy. In 
this grade, however, though so honorable to a man of 
only thirty-one years, Wayne did not linger long. 
February, 1777, saw him a Brigadier-General, in 
which rank it was that he made his name resplendent 
and immortal, covering it with a Revolutionary glory 
second only to what was earned by Washington him- 
self and by Gen. Greene. *He became a Major-Gen- 
eral not until 1792, when Washington sent him, as 
we have just seen, at the head of the army to conquer 
a peace and which, in the very teeth of the British 
intrusion and instigation, he did most triumphantly 

* White's Statistics. Title — Jackson County. 



122 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

succeed in conquering not from one, two or three 
Indian Nations only, but from all the Northwestern 
tribes combined. 

Whilst Gen.iWayne was thus reaping for himself and 
his country an overflowing recompense for the loss 
of his seat in the House of Kepresentatives, Gen. Jack- 
son also soon saw himself made more than whole by 
a proud amends. The very next Legislature after his 
exclusion from the Lower House conferred upon him 
a seat in the Senate of the United States for a full 
term, commencing on the 4th of March, 1793. When 
he had been in that elevation but two years, he heeded 
the cry of the people calling upon him to disrobe 
himself and come down at once to their help against 
the Yazoo Fraud. His ready obedience gave the 
country example of a resignation the noblest on 
record, and inculcated a lesson which noble natures 
only will be ever quick to feel and imbibe, that there 
are some occasions discernible by such natures which 
render humility a sublime practical virtue, and make 
it more glorious to descend with a magnanimous alac- 
rity to the lowlier posts of public service than to cling 
with tenacious pride and self-love to the higher and 
more shining ones. What he had to do in the matter 
for which he resigned and how he acquitted himself 
therein, we have already sufficiently seen, and seen 
also how after finishing that task, he otherwise faith- 
fully and ably served Georgia at home until the time 
came when she sent him once more to represent her 
in the National Senate contemporaneously with Mr. 
Jefferson's accession to the Presidency. Death found 
him in that position and at his post on the 19th of 



JAMES JACKSON. 123 

March, 1806. All that was mortal of him is still in- 
humed at the Federal capital, and the citizens of 
Georgia who would look upon his grave and the sim- 
ple stone that marks it can to this day only do so by 
a pilgramage to the Congressional burying ground at 
Washington City. By no monument, statute or even 
portrait has Georgia ever done homage to the man 
who from his dawn of youth to his death served her 
with so much devotion and brought her so much honor 
and benefit, and whose name on the whole sheds more 
lustre on her history than any other on its page — a 
lustre which is destined to brighten under the test of 
time and contemplation — a man, too, who loved her 
so intensely as to cause him to exclaim that if, when 
he died, his heart should be opened and examined, her 
name would be found imprinted there.* Yet happily 
his likeness remains to us and those who yearn to 
know what manner of man he was to the eye, need 
bat to turn to the American Portrait Gallery in order 
to gaze upon the noble, intellectual, sph'ituelle coun- 
tenance and the thinking, high-bred, cultured looks 
and expression that belonged to him. 

In estimating Gen. Jackson and awarding him the 
pre-eminence among the proud names which are 
the especial growth of Georgia, regard should be had 
to him as a whole. We must study him in all his 
elements, qualities and relations, in all his actions and 
situations. In some particulars there may be named 
those whom he cannot be said to surpass or even equal. 
But then there is to be seen belonging to him a signal 
felicity in which he stands alone, — a felicity consist- 
ing in his tout ensemble of virtues, talents, and merits,, 

^White's Statistics. Title — Jackson County. 



124 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

moral and intellectual, martial and political, heroic, — 
civic, chivalrous, — conferring on him a glory com- 
posite alike of peace and war, and which rises to the 
beautiful and sublime in both, though in what it de- 
rives from peace it is more fortunate even than in 
what it owes to war, in that its peaceful part furnishes 
an impressive, ever-speaking example and lesson to 
his countrymen, exhorting to purity, rectitude and 
true wisdom in public affairs, and urging relentlessly 
to the undoing, crushing and preventing of all public 
turpitude and profligacy. 



JAMES JACKSON. 



125 



STORY OF AUSTIN DABNEY, 

FROM Gilmer's Georgians, page 212. 

Mauy years before the Revolutionary war, a Vir- 
ginia gentleman of the old school resided upon his 
plantation not many miles from Richmond. He was 
a bachelor of long standing, who indulged in card- 
playing, drinking, horse-racing, and other dissolute 
practices. His wealth consisted in a large landed 
estate and many negroes. No white person lived 
with him except a little girl whose parentage was 
unknown ; when the bachelor gentleman left home 
upon his frolics, this little girl remained under the 
care of a negro mammy. She grew up until she 
ceased to be a child, knowing scarcely any one except 
the bachelor, and the negroes of his household. Sud- 
denly and secretly the old gentleman left his planta- 
tion taking her with him. He went to North Caro- 
lina, where he remained some time with a man by the 
name of Aycock. Aycock afterwards removed to 
Georgia along with the emigrants from North Caro- 
lina, who first settled Wilkes county, carrying with 
him a mulatto boy. 

When the contest between the Whigs and Tories 
became a struggle for the lives and liberty of all who 
favored the cause of freedom, Aycock was called upon 
to do his part in defending his fireside. From the 
time when he was required to fight he saw a terrible 
Tory constantly pointing a loaded gun at him. Fear- 
ins; to face the danger he offered as a substitute his 
mulatto boy, then transformed into a stout lad. He 
had previously passed as his slave. He acknowledged 



126 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL, 

that he was not, when he found that he would not 
otherwise be received as a soldier. The mulatto was 
accordingly enrolled in a captain's company by the 
name of Austin Dabney. No soldier under Clark 
was braver or did better service during the revolu- 
tionary struggle. In the battle of Kettle Creek, the 
hardest ever fought in Georgia between the Whigs 
and Tories, Austin Dabney was shot down, and left 
on the battle-ground very dangerously wounded. He 
was found, carried home, and cared for by a man of 
the name of Harris. It was long before Austin Dab- 
ney recovered. Gratitude for the kindness which he 
had received became the ruling feeling of his heart. 
He worked for Harris and his children, and served 
them more faithfully and efficiently than any slave 
ever served a master. He moved with them from 
Wilkes county to Madison soon after the latter county 
was organized. He sent his benefactor's oldest son 
to school, and afterwards to college, by the hard earn- 
ings of his own hands. He lived upon the poorest 
food, and wore old patched clothes, that he might 
make young Harris a gentleman. When his protege 
left Franklin college, Austin Dabney placed him in 
the office of Stephen Upson, then at the head of the 
legal profession in upper Georgia. When he was ex- 
amined at the superior court of Oglethorpe county, 
took the oath for admission to the bar, and received 
the fraternal shake of the hand from the members of 
the profession, Austin Dabney Avas standing outside 
leaning on the railing which inclosed the court, two 
currents of tears trickling down his mulatto face, from 
remembrance of the kindness which he had received^ 



JAMES JACKSON. 127 

and thankfulness for the power which had been given 
him to do something in return. 

Stephen Upson was a member of the legislature 
when the surveys of public land which were too small 
to be drawn for in the lottery of 1819, were disposed 
of by law. Austin Dabney had not been permitted 
to have a chance in the lottery with the other soldiers 
of the revolutionary war. Stephen Upson used his 
controlling influence in the legislature to procure the 
passage of a law giving to Austin Dabney a valuable 
fraction. One of the members from Madison county 
voted for the law. At the next election, his constitu- 
ents were excited into the hottest party contest by this 
conduct of their representative. They said that it 
was an indignity to white men for a mulatto to be put 
upon an equality with them in the distribution of the 
public land, though not one had done such long and 
useful public service. The United States Govern- 
ment allowed Austin Dabney a pension on account of 
his thigh, which was broken at the battle of Kettle 
Creek. He went once a year to Savannah to draw 
what was due him. On one occasion he traveled 
thither with Colonel Wiley Pope. They were very 
intimate and social on the road, and until they entered 
the streets of Savannah. As they were passing along 
through the city. Colonel Pope observed to Austin 
Dabney, that he was a sensible man, and knew the 
prejudices which forbade his associating with him in 
city society. Austin Dabney checked his horse, and 
fell in the rear after the fashion of mulatto servants 
following their masters. They passed by the house of 
General James Jackson, then Governor of the State. 



128 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

He was standing in bis door at the time. Colonel 
Pope passed on -without notice. Recognizing Austin 
Dabney, he ran into the street, seized him by the hand, 
drew him from his horse, and carried him into his 
house, where he continued his guest whilst business 
kept him in Savannah. 

It was very strange that Austin Dabney, who never 
knew his grandfather, should have inherited the taste 
of the Virginia gentlemen for horse-racing. He 
owned fine horses, attended the race course, entered 
the list for the stake, and betted with all the eager- 
ness of a professional sportsman. It was Austin Dab- 
ney's custom to be at the tavern when Judge Dooly 
arrived at Danielsville to hold Madison court. He 
held the judge's horse until he got from his carriage, 
then held his hand most affectionately. The judge's 
father had died in the Whig cause. Austin was 
always an adherent of the son, without regard to party 
politics. In the evening after the adjournment of 
court, he usually went into the room occupied by the 
judge and the lawyers, where, taking a low seat, he 
listened to Avhat was said, or himself told of the stir- 
ring incidents of the struggle between the Whigs and 
the Tories in upper Georgia and South Carolina. His 
memory was retentive, his understanding good, and he 
described what he knew well. Harris, Austin Dab- 
ney's protege moved away from Madison county. Aus- 
tin Dabney went with him, and continued to give him 
his devoted personal services and his property as long 
as he lived. 

James Jackson, tho seventh son of Thomas M. Gilmer and 
Elizabeth Lewis, was named after General Jackson, of Georgia, 
whom everybody admitted to be a brave man and devoted patriot. 
— Governor' Gilmer'' s Georgiafis, joage 19. 



JAMES JACKSON. 129 



FROM W. H. SPARK'S " THE MEMORIES OF 
FIFTY YEARS." 

Page 31. James Jackson, a young, ardent, and 
talented man, who had in very early life, by his abil- 
ities and high character, so won the public confidence 
that he had been elected Governor of the State, when 
he was ineligible because of his youth, was at this 
time a member of congress. He made a tour through 
the State, preaching a crusade against the corrupt 
legislature, and denouncing those who had produced 
and profited by this corruption, inflaming the public 
mind almost to frenzy. He resided in Savannah, and 
was at the head of the Republican or Jefi'ersonian 
party, which was just then being organized in oppo- 
sition to the administration of John Adams, the suc- 
cessor of Washington. 

Page 32. His Shibboleth was, that the disgrace of 
the State must be wiped out by the repeal of the 
Yazoo act; and repeal rang from every mouth from 
Savannah to the mountains. Jackson resigned his 
seat in United States senate, and was elected a mem- 
ber of the Georgia legislature. Immediately upon 
the assembling of this body, a bill was introduced re- 
pealing the odious act, and ordering the records con- 
taining it to be burned. This was carried out to the 
letter, Jackson, heading the legislature and the indig- 
nant public, proceeded in procession to the public 
square in Louisville, Jefferson county, where the law 
and the fagots were piled; when, addressing the assem- 



130 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

bled multitude, he denounced the men who had voted 
for the law as bribed villains — those who had bribed 
them, and the governor who had signed it ; and de- 
clared that fire from heaven only could sanctify the 
indignation of God and man in consuming the con- 
demned record of accursed crime. Then, with a 
Promethean or convex glass condensing the sun's 
rays, he kindled the flame which consumed the 
records containing the hated Yazoo act. 

Jackson was a man of ordinary height, slender, 
very erect in his carriage, with light hair and intensely 
blue eyes. His manners were courteous, affable, and 
remarkable for a natural dignity which added greatly 
to his influence with the people. He was the model 
from which was grown that chivalry and nobility of 
soul and high bearing so characteristic of the people 
of Southern Georgia. In truth, the essence of his 
character seemed subtilely to pervade the entire circle 
in which he moved, inspiring a purity of character, 
a loftiness of honor, which rebuked with its presence 
alone everything that was low, little, or dishonest. 
Subsequently he was elected Governor of the State, 
bringing all the qualities of his nature into the ad- 
ministration of the office; he gave it a dignity and 
respectability never subsequently degraded. 

Page 65. In the low country of Georgia, the flat 
of James Jackson fixed the political fate of every 
young aspirant. 

Page 66. Jackson had his proteges, and they were 
always marked for talent. In early life he discerned 
the germ of great abilities in two youths of Savannah 
— George M. Troup and Thomas U. P. Charlton. 



JAMES JACKSON. 131 

Through his influence, these young men, ahnost as 
soon as eligible, were sent to the legislature of the 
State, and both immediately took high positions. 
Talent was not the only requisite to win and retain 
the favor of Jackson : the man must be honest, and 
that honesty of such a character as placed him above 
suspicion. 

Under the operation of the confiscation act, many 
who had favored the mother country in the Revolu- 
tionary struggle had fled with their property to Florida. 
Conspicuous among these was one Campbell Wiley, a 
man of fortune. This man applied to the legislature 
to be specially exempted from the penalties of this 
act, and to be permitted to return to the State. A 
heated debate ensued, when the bill was being consid- 
ered, in which Charlton was silent, and in which 
Troup made a violent speech in opposition to its pas- 
sao;e, ending; with the sentence : " If ever I find in 
my heart to forgive an old Tory his sins, I trust my 
God will never forgive me mine." This speech gave 
him immediate popularity over the entire State. 



132 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 



A BRITISH POINT OF VIEW. 



EXTRACT FROM The Royal Georgia Gazette ISSUE OF 
NOVEMBER 8, 1781. 



PUBLISHED IN SAVANNAH, GA., BY JAMES JOHNSTON. 



Last Friday morning the Rebel Col. Jackson, with 
about 200 men, made an attack on Capt. Johnston's 
post at Great Ogeeohee, but was soon obliged to retire 
with the loss of Captains Grant and Lucas, and sev- 
eral privates. Col. Campbell, who commanded at 
Ogeechee, and whose quarters were half a mile distant, 
marched on the first alarm with the dragoons of his 
own regiment and Col. Brown's, under the command 
of Captain Wyley. Joining Capt. Johnston, he pro- 
ceeded with 85 dragoons in quest of the enemy, who he 
found advantageously drawn up at the edge of a swamp. 
Col. Campbell attempted to draw the Rebels out, but 
finding that the superiority of their numbers (being 
more than two to one) did not give them confidence 
enough to venture in the open field, he ordered an im- 
mediate charge, which was executed with that spirited 
firmness which will always insure victory, and reflect 
lasting honour on every one concerned. The Rebels 
being twice charged through retreated in great confu- 
sion, leaving many of their dead on the field. The 
pursuit was continued near four miles, and the country 



JAMES JACKSON. 133 

people who have since come in declare that the Rebel 
wounded and dead are to be seen in many places 12 
miles from the field of action. Our loss was 12 killed 
and some wounded, among the first was the gallant 
Cornet Hardenbrook of Col. Campbell's dragoons, who 
fell gloriously in the first charge. The loyal country 
people are daily taking prisoners; They have brought 
in Capt. Bugg of the Rebel dragoons and several pri- 
vates and have intelligence of many more that are 
skulking in the swamps. 

It is with the utmost horror we mention, that, after 
the signal repulse of the Rebels at Capt. Johnston's 
post on Friday last, the whole of their force proceeded 
to the plantation of James Butler, Esq., where about 
15 militiamen were posted; they set fire to that gentle- 
man's dwelling-house, and finding Capt. Howell 
( brother to the famous picaroon of that name ) in it 
sick, and unable to extricate himself from the flames, 
they dragged him out, and barbarously murdered him 
in the yard. Capt. Goldsmith, Mr. Dunbar Gray, 
Mr. Mackinon, Mr. John Lemar, and Mr. Stephen 
Christopher, here unfortunately fell into their ruffian 
hands, and were soon after murdered in cold blood ; 
Capt. Goldsmith, a gentleman against whom the rebels 
could have nothing to allege but an ever firm attach- 
ment to the British government, was most inhumanly 
butchered by Samuel West, who, for this and his many 
other crimes, will in due time meet with an ample 
reward. Capt. Paddy Carr, remarkable for his being 
concerned in many murders committed on the loyal 



134 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

inhabitants of this province, is missed by the Rebels, 
and we hoj)e is among the slain. 

The severe check the rebels have received from the 
heroic Col. Campbell, and the brave officers and men 
he had the honor to command in the engagement of 
Friday last, must deter them from making incursions 
in future into the settlements of the loyal inhabitants 
of this province, Avho entertain a grateful sense of, and 
cannot too much applaud the services of the army on 
that occasion.* 

*LETTERFROM GENERAL WAYNE TO GENERAL JACK- 
SON, ANNOUNCING THE DEATH OF GENERAL 
GREENE. 

"My Dear Sir: — I have often wrote you, but never 
on so distressing an occasion. My dear friend Gen- 
eral Greene is no more. He departed this morning, 
six o'clock A.M. He was great as a soldier, greater 
as a citizen, — immaculate as a friend. His corpse will 
be at Major Pendleton's this night; the funeral from 
thence iu the evening. The honors — the greatest 
honors of war are due his remains. You, as a soldier, 
will take the proper order on this melancholy affair. 
Pardon this scrawl, my feelings are but too much 
affected, because I have seen a great and good man 
die. 



*For American account of above, see Charlton's Life of Jackson, 
pages 36 and 37. McCall's Hist, of Ga, toI. 2, pages 393, 394. 
Stevens' Hist, of Ga. vol. 2, pages 269 and 270. White's Hist. Coll., 
page 220. 




Paintei rv Coi. j-Tniml 



MMO®. '&ETOE]RM. S:A31!1[ASI1BI. G]K]E]BK:E, 




JAMES JACKSON. 135 

FROM SHERWOOD'S GAZETEER OF GEOR- 
GIA, PUBLISHED IN PHILADELPHIA IN 
1829, PAGE 210. 



Geu James Jackson was born in the county of De- 
von, England, in 1757. He came to Georgia in 1772, 
and soon after commenced the study of law, in the 
office of Judge Walton, in Savannah. He had im- 
bibed, under the paternal roof, a love of freedom and 
a detestation of every species of injustice and oppres- 
sion ; and seconded as these early impressions were 
by an ardent intrepidity of character, it is not sur- 
prising that he became interested in all the occur- 
rences that preceded the revolutionary struggle. 
From the actual commencementjof the contest to the 
time of the relinquishment of Savannah by the 
British troops, he was incessantly engaged in the ac- 
tive duties of the soldier, took part in most of the 
principal engagements, and was selected by Geu. 
Greene as the commander of the Georgia Legion. 

After the close of the war, Mr. Jackson resumed 
the profession of law, and displayed at the bar the 
same activity and talent which had characterized him 
as a soldier. He was elected yearly to the State Leg- 
islature ; and so rapidly did his popularity increase, 
that, in 1788, he was chosen Governor, when only 
31 years of age. This honor he, however, declined. 
In 1789, he was elected a member of the first Congress 
after the adoption of the Federal Constitution, and 
continued as Representative or Senator till 1796, 



136 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

when lie resigned his seat in the Senate, at the public 
request of his old constituents in Chatham, in order 
to oppose in our Legislature the infamous Yazoo spec- 
ulation. In this he completely succeeded ; and the 
overthrow of this gigantic and unexampled act of 
public corruption, may be attributed principally to his 
energy, talent, and personal influence.* 

In 1798 Gen. Jackson was again elected Governor, 
and in 1801 once more sent back to the United States 
Senate, where he continued until his death. He died 
at Washington in March, 1806. 

An individual who feels, and ought to feel, tenderly 
alive for the reputation of Gen. Jackson, writes me 
that he was a member of the Legislature when 
the Charter of Incorporation for our College was 
passed. I searched the Journals of the House for 
the year 1785; and though I found Mr. Baldwin's 
name there, Gen. Jackson's, if he were in the Legis- 
lature that year, must have been overlooked ; I could 



*At its session in Augusta, on the 7th January, 1795, an act was 
passed, selling to certain individuals (who had bribed the Legis- 
lature for that purpose) several thousand acres of land on the 
Yazoo river, in the western part of Georgia, now Mississippi, 
and for which ,$500,000 were to be paid. Through the influence 
of Jackson and others, that act was repealed at Louisville on the 
13th February, 1796, and all the acts burned by fire from heaven. 
In the repealing act persons who had paid money were at liberty 
to withdraw it in the space of eight months. Accordingly, $300,- 
000 were withdrawn from the Treasury by claimants, and the 
balance was transferred to the United States government, in con- 
sequence of their having engaged to compromise with these 
claimants. It has been published that Georgia retained the money 
in her treasury and yet kept the lands; but it is a mistake, and a 
slander on the character of the State. 



JAMES JACKSON. 137 

■not find it. Mr, Stevens was Chairman of the Col- 
lege Committee. 

Gen. Jackson was instrumentally concerned in 
almost all the important measures that have since 
given prosperity to the State. He possessed an influ- 
ence in the State, which, it may be said in truth, no 
man will again enjoy in a superior degree. As a po- 
litical opponent, he was liberal and generous, so long 
as difierence of opinion merely separated parties ; but 
when he discovered the motives of his opponents to 
be SELFISH, he did not hesitate to let them know his 
sentiments, both publicly and privately. 



138 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 



Personal letters of Major General James Jackson, to 
Governor John Milledge, now in possession of Mrs. 
Catherine Habersham Milledge, and kindly, loaned 
to the publisher by her son, Colonel John Milledge. 



Friday evening. 
Dear Milledge : 

For fear you should forget the notification of Father 
Boyd, who I understand advertised you of the cere- 
mony to be performed by him on Sunday, I once 
more summons you to that Sacrament, with a Fail not, 

on pain of Ecclesiastical D n . It is true, 

that I do not possess this power, but the parson does; 
and I can moreover go so far as this, to-wit : I can 
read over all the curses of the Romish Church against 
you (as laid down in the noted work of our old friend, 
Tristram Shandy) in case of obstinacy. 

Mrs. Jackson will be happy in Mrs. Milledge's 
company, as I shall be in yours, to dine. The cere- 
mony will take place at five o'clock. 

Yours sincerely, Jas. Jackson. 

Honorable Jno. Milledge. 

Augusta, November 7, 1792. 
My Dear Milledge: 

I left Savannah under a breach of friendship & prom- 
ise. I was to have given you letters to some of my friends 
and I had not gone far before I cruelly remembered 
it ; it was, however, too late. I met no opportunity 
down, and to have left a packet, in ray hand, directed 



JAMES JACKSON. 139 

to you at any of the Taverns was running too great a 
risque. I had no way left but of embracing the pres- 
ent opportunity — the first post from this place after 
my arrival. I can, however, now only apologize for 
my neglect, as by the time you receive this you will 
have no need of introduction. 

Our Friend Baldwin, who is certainly one of the 
most obliging Men on Earth, & clever at everything, 
will have introduced you to all who may be worthy 
of your acquaintance. I more regret my not giving 
you letters for New York than for Philadelphia, in 
the former place you needed them perhaps — at the 
latter your public station would soon make you known. 
I have one thing particularly to request of you, not 
to think my Friends the less for a neglect which has 
sufficiently hurted me in my own feelings. 

I was taken extremely ill on the road to Augusta — 
so much so that I was obliged to keep my bed on my 
arrival here until yesterday. I am now fast recover- 
ing, and one of my first employments is what I am 
now writing. Both Houses have met. Taliaferro, 
President of the Senate, Big Billy Speaker, the Big 
Colonel of Senatorial Dignity, the quondam Judge, 
the acquitted Doctor, the Cutter Commander, the 
Revenue Surveyor, &c., &c., are all here in Majestic 
Council, to preserve the seat of their favourite. Big 
Tom, who totters amazingly, and will, we are all very 
apprehensive, return to Chatham for a second term. 
The Committee have reported that an investigation 
ought to take place — notwithstanding all the endeav- 
ours of so many Porter House Politicians, the Party 
won't do. 



140 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

If you are acquainted with Colonel Parker and Mr- 
Giles of Virginia, and Messrs. Grove, Macon, and Ash 
of North Carolina, present my regards to them in 
particular — to all who ask otherwise about me, be so 
good as to present them generally. You will no doubt 
find some who will not only not ask about me but 
who would not care if the devil had me. 

General Matthews is set up by Gunn, &g., as a Sen- 
ator. Four of us stayed — Few, Houston, Matthews 
and myself. My Friends tell me to arrange, but I 
shall neither Boot nor Spur until I see the election 
over. As I wrote my Friend Baldwin and told you, 
I would not have started if Colonel Few had no other 
opponent, and I now pray if I do not. Few may get 
it, but I am told by all he cannot if I do not. 

This is post night ; you shall hear more from me 
next post. So charging you once more to pardon my 
neglect at Savannah, and to present my sincere re- 
gards to Mr. Baldwin and old Landlady, if you are 
there, I am my D' Milledge, sincerely, 
Your Friend and Servant, 

J AS. Jackson. 

Honble. John Milledge. 

Louisville, Feb. 23d, 1798. 
Dear Milledge : 

I received your favor of the 25th ultimo yesterday 
and thank you for the political sketches contained. 

I am here in the big chair and fixed down by the 
heels for two Years to come; as you are such a noisy 
pack in Congress, it may keep me out of some scrapes. 



JAMES JACKSON. 141 

by beiug ia it, but I assure you the office feels awk- 
ward. Your Excellency sounds well, but I am not 
yet trained to it, and frequently look round me to find 
the person it is addressed to, when pop comes into my 
head the big chair. I would give any consideration 
to be back again at Cedar Hill on a common Windsor, 
snuffing the oderiferous air of the rice swamps. 

What the Devil have you done to our senior Sena- 
tor ? He has sent on a publication to McMillan about 
your absence with a list of Invalids, some of whom 
are no more so than I am — saying that if you had 
attended in your place, the amendment admitting them 
would have been made in your House. He warns the 
people against brushing certain persons, which is evi- 
dently leveled at you. Have you quarrelled or have 
you ripped up the Session when he was in Senate but 
three days and did so much mischief? or further 
have you charged him about the Stamp Act? If you 
have done neither, I think it unwarrantable and de- 
serving of retaliation by observing on these subjects 
in reply. It is a most wanton attack, not only on 
you, but Mr. B. Berrien sends it you or I should. 

The Commissioners or rather Inquisitors who are 
to come here, will hear nothing which they like. 
The Indians since the line has been run have been as 
troublesome as ever ; the line was finished the 2d 
instant — & exclusive of robberies — on the 5th, as I 
wrote the representation, Mrs. Hilton was ravished — 
on the 11th Nicholas Vines was murdered, and on 
the 14th one William Allen of Washington was 
murdered, all on this side of the line. As to For- 
eign influence I believe the eastern States possess an 



142 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

abundance more of it than Georgia, tho' theirs may 
be the carreut of the day. I will venture to assert 
that our Citizens would fight any power at w^ar with 
the United States, but I fear all to the North of North 
River would hesitate, if that war were with Great 
Britain. "SVe have some plantations left out as well 
as Tennessee, but it is doubtful if we succeed. What 
can it mean that any State but Georgia can obtain 
Cessions? 

The speculators are in Jail, you say — not all by 
your own account of one of the biggest about to leave 
his Seat to recorrupt the people. I think he might as 
well stay where he is — and God send they were all ip 
perfect security in the best prepared house for their 
reception in Philadelphia. 

What has Mr. Henry done to be discarded ? Has 
he honesty enough to think we are driving too fast to 
the Well-born ballance and therefore is too lax 
against the Antis ? 

You have not surprised me about the Post Master. 
I have long since discovered that Ca Ira was turning 
into God save the K — g, and flinging of bottles, into 
Courtiers' bows, and Orations Francaise into damn-d 
French buj — s. Wonderful, wonderful human crea- 
tures ! Man can change his sentiments and lick the 
Foot that kicks him for the most trifling cure. Place 
the most Frenchifyed Jacobin in the Offices of the 
United States, and he immediately signs hallulejah to 
to Great Britain. Monroe is an exception, and he 
smarts for it. 

I thank you for your loot at the ^lottery tickets. 



JAMES JACKSON. 143 

They surely must be jjrizes they are so long a coming — 
that is if they come at all. 

You have made me happy in the prospect of my 
worthy friend, Mr. Findley's going to take our good 
landlady to wife. Be pleased to present my congratu- 
lations & best wishes on the occasion — if they have, 
as I believe, some little remembrance of me. I beg I 
may stand God-father by proxy for the first boy — a 
Girl is too great a charge & I should in that case wait 
for the second appearance; but I insist on standing for 
the first Boy even supposing it should be the seventh 
child. I wish them many more, but as I represent 
b^t one State I would not venture to take so solemn 
a charge of more than one. 

My family is not yet in this place. I shall in about 
three weeks go for them. I have settled my Rocky 
Comfort tract & have a House in Town & mean to 
reside here for a time ; altogether it is a most healthy 
spot & I am in hopes will recruit my dear John who 
is still extremely low. I received a letter yesterday 
from Mrs. Jackson who is, as well as the other part of 
the family, fast recruiting. 

When you return I must request you as formerly 
to run into a temporary expense for me — I mean for 
my Encyclopedia. I am now pretty much bound to 
you, but am compelled to draw again on your Friend- 
ship. 

Remember me to Mr. Gregg as well as Mr. Fin- 
ley, for both of whom I have a sincere regard. Your 
House is so new faced that I scarcely remember an- 
other but your colleague, to remember to. Do let me 
hear the determination on our remonstrance I wish 



144 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

it may be accomtnodating. I inclose the resolutions 
of James Jones to the Delegation by which you will 
learn that Georgia is for accomodation. Tell the old 
Lady I frequently think of the Family; 

& believe me, D"" Milledge, 

Y'' Friend & servt, 
James Jackson. 
Honorable John Milledge. 

I write to the Secry. of War by this post acquainting 
him of the murder of Allen, & requesting the liberty 
of calling out a few mounted Militia, till the alarm 
subsides, and also desiring a change of the post for 
Louisville. It is' the capital and the main post ought 
to come directly to it instead of going to Augusta & 
by Waynesboro ugh — it would save two days in the 
progress. Tell Tattnal I have received his letter & 
will write him fully next post ; I have not time by 
this. Tell him I do not like his Colleagues being on 
the Committee on our remonstrance in Senate. Do 
push the Militia claims. 

The Honorable John Milledge Esq. 
Representative 

in Congress, 

by post. Philadelphia. 



Philadelphia, December 26, 1793. 
Drar Milledge: 

I suppose by this you have returned from the As- 
sembly, and that your political campaign is over for 
the season ; we have just got the business of ours en- 
tering on, with calmness and serenity among the mem- 



JAMES JACKSON. 145- 

bers, and amidst alarms and troubles from abroad,. 
We are indeed, at a crisis, very important to the 
United States. Mother Britain is doing everything 
she can to injure our trade, and there is little doubt 
but she has placed the United States in their disagree- 
able situation with the Algerines. It is also pretty 
clear, that the Truce, agreed on between Portugal and 
Algiers, to effect that purpose, was concluded by the 
British Consul, Mr. Lojie, without the approbation- 
of the Court of Portugal, or an intimation of his in- 
tention, until effected. Spain is firmly leagued with 
England against us. On the other hand, our situa- 
tion with respect to France is critical. Genet, the 
Minister of that Nation, has acted imprudently, and 
is obnoxious to all our Executive Officers — the Pres- 
ident in a message to both Houses, calls him con- 
temptuously the person representing the French na- 
tion. Our Minister (Mr. Morris) to the French Re- 
publick, is full as obnoxious to that nation, and is 
a strong Aristocrat — openly avowing his sentiments 
in favor of the deceased Louis, and censuring the pro- 
ceedings of the National convention — keeping up the 
state and Grandeur with the necessary hauteur of a 
Royal embassy. Mutual sparrings are daily taking 
place between Genet and our Officers of Departments, 
some of which, you must have, before this, repub- 
lished in the Savannah papers. Hammond has also 
on the part of Britain, held a long correspondence 
with Mr. Jefferson, complaining of partialities to 
France ; and Viar, to crown all has sent in his Budget,, 
abusing our poor little State in the most cruel manner^ 
making us appear Assassins, Robbers and invaders of 



146 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

Spanish territory — for they have the Assurance to 
continue their old claim of one-half our State, and 
say that the Creeks are totally under their protection, 
and solely liable to their regulations. Jefferson in his 
answer, has confuted all their objections, and with a 
strength of reasoning, peculiar to himself, has made 
Boys of them all. I am sorry to say, that our Agent 
has added to the complaints against us in language far 
too strong, and too general. The words these Geor- 
gians frequently occur. Our damned policy, has 
always injured us, and every little newspaper para- 
graph in the Savannah or Augusta Gazettes, blaming 
our frontier settlers is siezed hold of to injure us, and 
it is true, does injure us — it is viewed in the light of 
confession, and the declaration of the State, and as 
such the best evidence against us. Three or four vol- 
umes of abuse from Knox and Gaither, the Agent, 
Freeman and others, are now before both Houses. I 
have no particular enmity against Mr. S., but he as- 
suredly has been as violent one way, as our Ned on 
the other, and the whole State ought not to bear the 
blame of Mr. Telfair's politics, which it does in sev- 
eral of his communications. I write you this in con- 
fidence. Jefferson is about to resign, and his resigna- 
tion will be almost universally regretted; we are at a 
loss to know who will succeed him. 

We shall carry the question of Suability ; the amend- 
ment will be left to the different States, to ratify by 
the next session. It is not yet brought forward, but 
there appears to be little doubt of success. An 
amendment already brought forward by Mr. Taylor 
of Virginia, will I fear, not meet the same success 



JAMES JACKSOX. 147 

although it will deserve it; it is to prevent Directors 
and Stockholders in the Bank of the United States, 
from being eligible to Seats in Congress, and thereby 
preventing their power of voting moneys, and loans 
for their own individual gain. 

A communication from Humphreys and our Friend 
Church, is just arrived, and I am happy to tell you, 
that America has one friend, in her mad Majesty of 
Portugal. She has ordered a convoy for our vessels,^ 
and has given orders to her Fleet in the Mediterranean 
to retake and redeliver, all Americans bound to or 
from her ports, at the time of capture, and the Noble& 
and Merchants of that Nation, are very much in- 
censed with Britain for effecting the Truce, and have 
petitioned the Prince of Portugal against a ratifica- 
tion — thinking it degrading to the honor of the Por- 
tuguese Nation, and professing great attachment for 
the United States. The queen's answer, by her Min- 
ister, to Church, is very favorable; so that we have 
one friend. Humphreys also says, that excuses are 
made at Gibraltar, by the British Officers for the part 
they are charged with, respecting the Algerines, and 
that Lojie has done all of his own accord, but this 
does not sound well. The unfortunate crews of Nine 
Vessels are gone into captivity, which has struck such 
a damp on Mariners, that most of the old Philadel- 
phia Captains have declined their commands. 

In answer to this long letter, do favor me with the 
proceedings of your Legislature, what laws were 
passed, and how matters go with the Creeks. I shall 
thank you for any intelligence, and any of your 



148 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

thoughts, on subjects which may strike you as neces- 
sary from your observations of last session. 
I am, D' Milledge, 

Yours most sincerely, Jas. Jackson. 

Savannah, November 4, 1793. 
Dear Milledge: 

This is the clay, the great, the important Day, big 
■with governments and the fate of Georgia. The Bell 
of Christ's Church is knelling together the Corpora- 
tion and Committee, who seem to have the State and 
publick good under their immediate care here, whilst 
I suppose, the ling, ting, ding, of the State House is 
convening the Magnates of the Nation, at Augusta, 
who may suppose they have almost as great a care of 
States and publick good on their shoulders, as our 
Wise heads. Not a Word of this to any one — why 
Man, it would be downright high Treason! as all the 
people are pledged, vi et armis, to put Committee law 
in force; and if you have read the resolutions, their 
Fatherly care extends not only to Savannah river, 
but throughout the State, Tybee Bar not excepted. 
I have experienced a little of this myself. It pleased 
our Ned, to send me upon a disagreeable errand to 
Camden ; and were it not, as Corporal Trim remarks, 
that orders with Military Men must be obeyed, I 
would as soon have interferred between a Husband 
and his Wife, where the former was giving the latter 
moderate castigation, which you know is the sure way 
of getting both on your back, and which I pray God 
may not be my case, with the distracted parties of that 



JAMES JACKSON. 149 

County. Having finished my business, as well as my 
abilities would permit, and I will say, in as disinter- 
ested a manner as any Officer could act, and having 
held an election for Field Officers in Glynn, I came 
out from St. Simon's on Wednesday last, and entered 
Tybee on Thursday evening — coming up to town with 
a flowing tide, and fine Wind. About twenty yards 
from the Cutter of the Revenue, we were hailed by 
Capt. Wood, with all the noisy courage of the Master 
of a press Gaby tender. "Come to, God damn you, 
or I'll fire into you." Bang goes a musquet ! "It is Gen- 
eral Jackson," says Saunders, "on publick duty, by or- 
der of Government!" "I don't care for General Jack- 
son or General anybody — come to, God Damme!" "I 
am on publick duty, as well as yourself, Mr. Wood, and 
I cannot stop!" "Fire that Cannon into them !" " Cap- 
tain Saunders, you shall not now stop; pass the Cutter!" 
" God damn you, why don't you fire, you damned ras- 
cal?" " You may fire and be damned, Mr. Wood," but 
the good Sailor did not fire, and the Deed will be re- 
corded in Heaven, for Jenkins, who you know, is not 
scary, says it must have sunk us. As soon as by the 
Cutter, we lay to, amidst a thousand threats from Mr. 
Wood. Knowing his right to see our papers, I told 
him if he wanted to examine us, send his boat; this 
after many declarations he did, which ordered me 
alongside the Cutter. I reasoned with the officer, who 
seemed convinced; and leaving the heroick Mr. Wood 
foaming on the quarter deck, we wore round, and pro- 
ceeded to town. Mitchel tells me, it is forty to one, 
if I am not called on, and perhaps at this moment, 
whilst you are chatting about making a Governor, and 



150 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

I am giving you an account of this little frolick, the 
Committee are consulting about making rae a prisoner. 
"I can't get out," said the Starling, would be a 
damned situation — but I fancy I shall hear no more 
about it, and I should not easily go in. 

I shall hold you to the conversation we had together 
repecting my little petition. I really, my Friend, 
worked hard for it, and my increasing Family com- 
pels me to make the claim. Indeed Debts of that 
nature, are Debts which no Nation, or State on earth, 
can get rid of, but by discharge. Congress, notwith- 
standing so many acts of limitation, has thought so, 
by again opening the way to her own Soldiers; and 
she every Session orders particular liquidations, and 
notwithstanding delays by the party. My delay has 
only been injurious to myself — if liquidated in 1783 
and funded, it would be now double. Purely, because 
I fought under the State banner, my services were not 
of less value, and therefore I ought not to be in a 
worse situation than those under the Continental ban- 
ner, and I will venture to say, that we braved hard- 
ships experienced by few Troops on the Continent. 
I expect much opposition from I. Jones of Burke, and 
General Matthews ; the former on accuuut of his quar- 
rel with my brother, the latter on account of my sup- 
porting you. Their great Fort will be, a resolution 
of the House of Assembly, of 30th July, 1782, giv- 
ing me the House I live in, as they were pleased to 
say, for my meritorious Services. This was not asked 
for by me, and it is a droll kind of Gi t, which can- 
cels an obligation. Greene, and Wayne, and Clarke 
had gifts of much greater consequence, but they re- 



JAMES JACKSON. 151 

ceived all their pay. If this does not hold, they will 
start au objection as fatal, that a general provision 
should be made, and thereby postpone it altogether ; 
or if a Bill be brought forward, it will be but for a 
short period, and I have no prospect of a return from 
Congressional duty, for many Months if the whole 
Year; for there never was a period, which so much 
required their continuation together as a body. This 
would prevent my reaping advantage from it, if passed. 
As to an assumption, I always condemned and shall 
condemn the measure, but it certainly has taken off 
300,000 Dollars of our State Debt, and enables the 
State at any rate, to do justice, even supposing an- 
other assumption may not take place, which I think 
is yet dubious. The Petition having passed the 
Senate, I think there is no occasion for its returning 
there ; a decision in the house will be- sufficient, I 
have no hold of Waldburger, but through you ; the 
service I formerly rendered him, made no impression. 
They may glance once now and then on his mind, like 
the glaring flashes of Lightning on a benighted trav- 
eller; but they have no permanency. It would have 
gone through last Year but for him. There was a. 
time when he knew me first, and when I loved him 
as fondly as Parent loved a Child, that I had no need 
of this pittance, and would not take the pains of writ- 
ing three lines about it, and which is the true, reason 
of my not making application at that period ; but I 
have since fell among thieves. Washington has 
robbed me of one or two years' labors, and I have a 
large Family to provide for, and every expectation of 
its being larger, and the Justice of my claim is still 



152 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

the same. If you are intimate with Fort, who I see 
is in the House of Representatives, before it comes 
on, speak to him. 

My principal reliance is on Sam. Hammond & 
yourself. I have written to some of the Members, 
and know if it returns to Senate, I shall be certain of 
your exertions, as you thought it right. Indeed, I 
consider the Senate bound by their decision. 

I am anxious to hear who is Governor. If General 
G., I expect to have your company. Struggle hard 
against anyone else. We can agree in sentiment and 
conduct. 

I always write you long letters ; from the shortness 
of yours in common, I suppose I tire you — you take 
that method to prevent it. God bless you. 
Y' Friend and Servant, 

Jas. Jackson. 
Honble. John Milledge, Esq., 

Augusta. 

Do tell Whitefield that Miller cannot get up until 
Sunday Night, and to postpone the action Arden vs. 
Montrony until Monday Morning — do not forget it. 

The Honorable John Milledge, 
Senator from Chatham, 

at Augusta. 

Wednesday, November 12, 1794. 
Dear Milledge : 

I suppose by this you have got to business, which 
is more than we have done in Senate ; and the House 
of Representatives tired of waiting have proceeded 



JAMES JACKSON. 153 

themselves without us. I arrived here last Saturday, 
but should have been present on the Constitutional 
day, had I not as usual met a severe Gale between 
Lookout and the Frying Pan. We were in imminent 
danger, and for 12 hours had to beat to windward in 
6, 7, 8, & 9 Fathom water, with a mountainous swell, 
in the bite between the two shoals. Commodore Bavey 
certainly saved our lives. To add to the horror, we 
discovered the breakers all round us, but at sunsetting 
— & it was after daylight next morning, before we 
cleared the shoals — Bavey and myself chatted of our 
danger which he says, was as great as he ever experi- 
enced, with the calmness of reason, and concluded 
that if we could keep the sea until Daybreak, to cut 
away the Mainmast, & put her before the wind for 
some open part of the beach. We had our doubts of 
being able, however, to keep the sea, and continued 
shoaling our water until 12 o'clock, when after hav- 
ing almost relinquished every hope, we perceived a 
black Cloud arise from the North West, accompanied 
with terrible lightning & Thunder. This Providen- 
tial interference conveyed us out to eleven Fathom, 
when the South, South East Wind, again attacked us 
with redoubled vigor; but fortunately we had got such 
an offing, as to get on the tail of Lookout Shoals. 
Off the Capes of Delaware we were attacked by a 
North Wester which split our Main Sail. If this had 
happened at Lookout, we must every soul have per- 
ished. I never made up ray mind to die before, but 
I tasted of death at that time and feel a satisfaction 
when I reflect, that I was perfectly resigned. The 
vessel was old, & would not have borne two thumps, 



154 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

previous to going to pieces, aud her sails were of an 
equal age — Ave wondered how they kept together. I 
have ever since been thinking of an expression of Old 
Qua's in Savannah, a few days before I sailed — The 
rascal had the insolence to tell me to stay at home, 
& not fret myself about Publick — -" What Publick care 
for you Massa ? God ! ye get drowned bye & bye. 
Qua tell you so, & what going come of he Family 
den?" Altho I doubted Qua's prophecy at the time, 
I began to suppose him entitled to a niche in prophets' 
corner. 

I have really a good mind to follow his advice — 
leave Congress and Congress things, turn speculator 
and go snacks at home with the best of them. There 
is a damn sight more to be got by it, depend on it, <Sr 
I have not got one sixpence ahead, since I undertook 
it — Such business is calculated for such as yourself 
with only a Wife to maintain, which the pay will do, 
but rely on it, it does not answer half the calls of a 
Wife and five Children. Baldwin wrote you last post 
day — I send this by Capt. Bender of the Brig, Fame, 
for Savannah, & it I expect will reach you nearly as 
soon as his — Baldwin did not give you a Broad hint 
of what Miss Sallie Cuyler told him, that you would 
soon have an application from the West Indies. — I 
dare say you can guess what took place in New York 
& so forth. 

It is here publickly said that you are a Candidate 
for the Senate — King told me so, as soon as I entered 
the Senate room. I hope if you are successful, we 
shall make out to agree, but it is wonderiul that I 



JAMES JACKSON. 155 

should hear nothing of this rumored in Savannah, & 
it should be known here. 

I have no News but what is contained in the en- 
closed papers, which has everything very late from 
Europe — The Carmagnoles are everywhere triumph- 
ant. As to Mother Britain— we can form no judg- 
ment of her, or our Envoy's conduct, until a Congress 
is formed, which 1 expect will not be for several days 
— The Senate is very unpopular, on account of the 
delay at so important a juncture, when every mind is 
intent on the delivery of the annual Presidential 
speech, now more eagerly expected than ever. I will 
write you, as soon as its contents are known. It is 
advanced at present that the dispatches are favorable. 

I shall expect very soon a long letter from you, 
with all the politics of Augusta — Speculation, oblivion 
& so on, I suppose, will go together — Well let things 
— Walton's observation, on barter of this, for that, 
to the Chatham Grand Jury, is well founded in 
Georgia. 

Tell Mitchel I will write him by Friday's post. 
If yours gets before his, you must lend him the papers, 
and I shall write him to do the same to you. I send 
you Brown's paper, supposed at present, to be the most 
impartial. Give my compliments to Genl. Irvine, & 
tell him I will write him sometime next week. My 
hand cut by the oyster shell, is yet so tender, that I 
am frequently compelled to lay down the pen — it is 
now much swelled, & ray arm pains me to the shoulder, 
notwithstanding you laughed at the scratch. 



156 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

I am told here, trifling as it is, that I shall feel it 
all this winter, 

God bless you, 

& believe me, Milledge, 
y Friend & Servt., 

Jas. Jackson. 
John Milledge, Esqr., 

in Senate, 
Free. Augusta, Georgia. 

Jas. Jackson. 

Savannah, Augt. 26th, 1794. 
D^S', 

Our son John, to be made a Christian of on the 17th 
day of next month, (your day this day week) has no 
objection to be one of you Godsons, should the stand- 
ing for him not be contrary to your noted religious 
principles. One inducement, aud which may make 
you suppose that there will be more real religion than 
is usual in Savannah on such ceremonies at present — 
is, that Dr. Boyd & not the pastor of Goose Creek will 
have function on the occasion. You are not consid- 
ered as bound to observants of the Treaty of Jones 
House, at Augusta — it is not expected — He is not 
altogether called after you, being principally named 
John, after a favorite brother of mine, killed in the 
War of the Revolution, on board a British 20 Gun 
Ship — against us. 

An Answer consenting will not be ungrateful to 
John, & will be pleasing to his Father. 
Y' Friend, 

Jas Jacksqn. 

Honble. J Milledge 



JAMES JACKSON. 157 

Savannah, May 14tb, 1796. 
Dear Milledge, 

I have time to write you three lines to inform you 
that Sheatt has not dealt fairly by me. Mr. Belcher 
informs me that no order to pay me by Mr. Clarke of 
Boston or any other person on Mr. Sheatt's account 
has been received by him. A quantity of paper for sale 
on consignment is in his hands belonging to Clarke, 
but he cannot pay me a farthing. 

Will you call on Sheatt & tell him this and protect 
the bill if he does not satisfy you making Oath of his 
promises, so that at least I may have the satisfaction 
of wounding his credit if he deserves it ? A word to 
Muhlenberg of your determination on this head may 
have good effect. 

lam still fired at in the papers, abused in the Coffee 
houses, & furnish Table talk for all Yazoo Scrip hold- 
ers — but I have the People yet with me. Mr Wat- 
kins & myself have had another encounter ; he in- 
sulted me during the Federal Court & I at him — the 
people interferred — would have tarred & feathered 
Watkins, if they could have found him, & contrary to 
my wish or knowledge, beset his House Mrs Knapps, 
where the Chief Justice Elsworth staid all night. 
I suppose a terrible tale will be raised of it. I was too 
much in passion this last time, & did not manage so well 
as I did at Louisville. It occasioned however no in- 
jury to either — a small scratch of the Face was all I 
got. We now stand I suppose for the third brush. 
The people prevented its going further. 

Mr. Waldburger, that valiant man, after his party 
had been pelting me in the papers with all the dirt they 



158 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

could get together, took offence at something a wri- 
ter signed Gracchus, had said, & demanded of me 
whether or not I was the Author. I wrote him that I 
supposed I had as much right to refuse his demand as 
he had to make it — that if he had not thought the obser- 
vation fitted him he would not have noticed it. To save 
trouble I told him I should receive no challenge from 
him, but that no proper invitation would be avoided. 
I went next morning for Louisville & two or three 
days after I was advertised for a coivard. On my re- 
turn T noticed this in half a dozen lines which pro- 
duced a scurrilous piece in which McAllister & sev- 
eral others of the party are visible, denying any ob- 
ligation to me ; that Walton, & not myself, had brought 
him to what he was, & a thousand indecent observa- 
tions. I had met him before, and had previously in- 
formed him I should treat him with pity and contempt. 
Whether fear, agitation, or what operated he that night 
burst a blood vessel, & I am told must die. 

I was obliged to answer his last in an address to the 
publick, and there appealed to yourself — first that I 
was not acceeding to the law giving him his property, 
Zuberbuhlers — for if you recollect all I did was to 
forbear violent opposition — and at the last stage I 
made this observation that I had never approved of 
the Bill &, that I now disapproved it, but as the ma- 
jority was so great in the House, it was needless to 
contend against, it & take up the time of the house. 
I could have gone further & told him of the Chin- 
quepins, but his situation prevented me. I again ap- 
pealed to you for his excuses for his ingratitude for 



JAMES JACKSON. 159 

deserting me — you must well remember the interces- 
sion you made at A.ugusta to me for him. 

I am in a hurry & nearly confusion, jnston the 
Wing for the damd treaty, which turn out favorable or 
unfavorable to the State will load me with a fresh 
quantum of abuse. I am nearly steeled against it — for 
their is nothing however trivial which I ever did or 
consented to, but is brought against me & ten 
thousand things I never did or dreampt of doing are 
laid to my charge. All the good I ever did is vanished 
with the party, & every meritorious action villified. 
God send me through it for my dear Family's sake, 
& the Devil may take the publick affairs thereafter. 

Mrs. Jackson desires her Complts. to Mrs. Milledge 
— my respects to her, & regards to Messrs. Neister, 
Gregg, Finley, & the Family. 

God bless you. 

Jas Jackson. 

What the Devil has made your forces desert so ? 
49 & 48 are declared to be your numbers. 



Savannah, March 8th, 1796. 
Dear Milledge, 

I am returned from Louisville and the political 
campaign is over. The Yazoo Act you will have per- 
ceived, is declared null and void by a Legislative act, 
and the envy, the disappointment and malice of the 
whole Host is raised against your humble servant — 
even assassination in a twofold degree is not wanting. 
An attack on ray life has been made, and daily 
attacks on my reputation appear from the Pandora's 



160 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

box of Georgia, the Augusta prints. Matters hitherto 
uuheard of and undreampt of are alledged, covered 
under the libellous front of anonymous writers and 
anonymous imputation. Even your securityship for 
Demere which you know was first precedeuted by a 
thought and resolution drawn by Pendleton and 
Waldburger's grant of Zuberbuhlers estate, altho you 
know I never supported it, are layed at my door as 
having bartered thousands from the revenues of 
Georgia. I may be driven to the necessity of calling 
on you on this subject; if Waldburger had one atom 
of generosity I should call on him. jNIy little house 
given rae before the spirit of speculation broke in on 
our happy land, is raised to a splendid palace, and I am 
represented as wallowing in luxury obtained at my 
Country's expense. In short it would tire me to write, 
or you to read it all. There is one consolation — a con- 
scious feeling — the secret satisfaction of integrity 
which no assassin can rob me of. 

Mr Walton & myself I expect are done forever — 
not from me — I respect him still individually and at 
any other period should officially, but on account of 
his assassinating Measure, Mr. Watkins, who possesses 
a heart as dark as Erebus without one spark of genu- 
ine, generous courage. Disappointed in every attempt, 
and defeated by fair reasoning, and indulged more than 
he himself (as he expressed) had a right to expect — 
after having eat and drank at the same Table, and 
smiled & chatted but a day or two before the House 
broke up, watched an opportunity after the House 
rose, and my friends had retired from Louisville, & 
after dogging me to the State house to see who was 



JAMES JACKSON. 161 

with me, whither I went for some necessary papers, to 
attack me singly and alone, unarmed as he thought, 
whilst a posse of his Yazoo friends collected for the 
purpose, stood by to assist him — His observation as 
follows : "General, the session is now over. I do not 
mean to act the assassin, but the Gentleman. I con- 
sider you the leader of a damned venal set or faction 
who have disgraced their Country." This was done to 
draw on dispute. Flesh and blood of such texture as 
mine would not bear it, & the lie & stick involuntary 
flew on him; until my little Lucas stick broke, I 
finely frapped him, but the third blow it broke in my 
hand, & till then he had never struck me ; but now at 
his mercy T received one blow on the head which for 
a moment stuun'd me, & I fell. I rose & my blood 
rose with me — I made at him & was told he had 
pistols. This made me recollect one I had carried, 
apprehensive of an attack from John Greene who I 
had been under the necessity of telling was a damn'd 
lyar a night or two before, & I immediately exclaimed : 
" 'Tis well, we are on a footing. Clear the way !" It was 
proposed by Flournoy, one of his partisans, for us to 
fight in the morning — I replied that I never fought a 
base assassin but on the spot I met him, & ordered 
him to take his ground. I should have killed him, for 
I fired as soon as we were open to each other, but my 
hand was knocked up by one of the party, & as soon 
as I fired, he ran at me with a bayonet at the end of 
his pistol. We closed, and twice I threw him. I soon 
found that I was his Master as to strength & was 
beating him handsomely, when a scoundrel by the 
name of Wood turned Watkins on me and the Assassin 



162 ■ LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

strove to gouge me. Driven to necessity I was com- 
pelled to put one of his fingers in my mouth which 
made him relinquish his attempt after skinning my 
eye. He then sprung another bayonet, for the first was 
either taken from him or returned to him & he had a 
pair on purpose, & stabbed at me re])eatedly. I was 
all this time unarmed. He stabbed me in the left 
breast which fortunately entered my collar bone & 
ran me through my shirt and flannels, & grazed my 
ribs a second time — a half an inch lower in the breast, 
the Doctors pronounced, would have finished my 
business. The nature of this infamous attack as I 
had sent Tattnal three weeks before with an assurance 
that any private matter could be accommodated when 
Mr Watkins pleased — his eating and drinking in 
company — his telling our worthy friend Jones (who 
went to him but the day before solicitous for my 
safety, as he had heard an attack was intended on me, 
but did not suspect AYatkins, but Greene & who went 
unknown to me) with a "Pshaw ! who would attack 
General Jackson ?" & laughed at it — all this argues a 
blackness and depravity of mind horrid in so young a 
man, & he may be pronounced well qualified for the 
heroick deeds of a Caligula or a Nero — If he had even 
a regard for his Uncle's feelings, who was barbarously 
attacked by Mcintosh, he would assuredly have waved 
that mode of attack — the lash of his Whip was taken 
off on purpose. A single line would have carried me 
to any rendezvous he chose to appoint — but he was 
deceived. I could whip two of him at any time, and 
notwithstanding my wound I was turning him the 
third time, when a few of my friends collected & tore 



JAMES JACKSON. 163 

me from him. Yazoo made out a tale for him, but the 
mass of the people despise the attack as pitiful, das- 
tardly, and assassinating. As an assassin I shall ever 
view and regard him. I have no objection to your 
showing this to our friend Walton. It is all truth. 
He now attempts to say the attack was made for his 
Uncle. It is a lie ; not one word of or about his 
Uncle was mentioned, nor did I ever promise him 

support, for I never do it to any one. I neither 

— [Fragment of a letter from General Jackson to 
Hon. John Millege.] 



Savannah, April 11th, 1796. 
My Dear Milledge, 

I wrote you very fully by Col. Tattual who I hope 
is before this with you. Since that period yours of the 
11th of March has reached me, and I have seen some 
letters from you addressed to Stephens with the ac- 
count of the correspondence between Gunn & Baldwin. 
Good God ! what is to be the situation of our Country, 
if a publick character is not to speak his sentiments on 
its circumstances, (for I take it Mr. B's speech on the 
Land Bill, not the papers he had from Georgia was 
the cause of Mr. G's anger) without being liable to 
challenges, assassinations, etc.? Its effects, if it were 
countenanced, would be the deterring of any Man 
from stepping forward, let his talents be what they 
might — for what one man could expect to survive a 
Host of bullies who from interest, or desperate cir- 
cumstances to be remedied only by taking the oppos- 
ing character of — were determined to take him off? 



164 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

I feel this situation myself. 1 have daily abuse 
poured on me from all quarters — abuse intended to 
oblige me to notice, and abuse which I hear with 
great uneasiness— one day compared to Cataline, an- 
other to Robespierre — a third told of my publick de- 
pravity — a fourth charged with losing thousands to 
the State in assisting you in placing the interest to 
the principal bonds — again Waldburgers estate was 
given him altogether through my exertion (the two 
last charges you know to be false — Pendleton did the 
first & you the last); even I am charged with being 
actuated in my opposition by disappointed avarice. 

Tattnal I suppose has given you, exclusive of my 
description in my letters, an account of Watkins' 
attack on me, and no doubt you will have seen the 
Party's account of it, sent in an extract from Augusta 
in a Baltimore paper. Thank God I am nearly cal- 
lous. Cconvinced in my own breast of my rectitude of 
conduct, & that my motives have proceeded from real 
republicanism, & been actuated by publick integrity, 
I care little for it all as respects the injury it can 
work, but I feel a little uneasy on the score of revenge. 
I could punish one or two, but where would it stop ? 
They are all anxious to get me to Duelling, & would 
not quit until I was put out of the w^ay. The Wife 
and five children — the sixth I have reason to believe 
in embryo and will shortly be in existence — are pow- 
erful reasons to prevent engagements which may be 
not only fatal to myself, but those who have a right 
to look to me for support. 

Whilst on this subject I inform you that I have 
had my fears respecting Tattnal. I know that he will 



JAMES JACKSON. 165 

put up with no improper conduct of Mr. Gunu's, I 
shall be uneasy until I hear i'rom you or him. My 
resolution as to this champion of the party's is taken. 
I will fight him if he demands it, but if he takes any 
other measure I am resolved to take their own steps 
with him. I have set myself down for a very trouble- 
some year & I expect to be hard pushed, but I hope to 
have firmness to go through with it. 

On Wednesday last a few Friends sat & drank your 
health with me ; among them was Stephens, Mitchel, 
AVilson — (Young engaged otherwise) O. Bowen and 
Carroway Smith. The beef was extremely good & 
much admired, after we were well filled with it. So 
my ticket is not yet out. Rice is falling, & I shall 
want something to live on — I can positively take 
nothing less than what I wrote you, 2000 Dollars. I 
see the Washington lottery tickets are rolled up. Are 
any of mine of them out ? I beg you to call and take 
my Encyclopedia from Dobson & to pay him. Per- 
haps there may be two volumes out — the last I have 
is the fourteenth — the 15th & perhaps the 16th are in 
print — I hope you will trust to my repaying you, if 
that wretch Sheatt should Jocky you & not let you 
have that fund. If you get that, you can pay with it, 
and also get Carey's Guthrie's Geography which I sub- 
scribed for. 

We are all anxious to receive the result of your 
deliberations on the Treaty — Your speech on the call 
for papers is with us, and the thought too local with 
some I could name, and who think nothing shining 
can come from any but one, you can guess whom; it 
has given satisfaction with our real friends — with the 



166 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

others who also pretend to dislike Yazoo. The few 
words spoken, & the consequent correspondence have 
been supposed of more consequence and more weighty 
than all the risks I have run — this is for your private 
ear. If I had not pushed him at Philadelphia as Gregg 
knows, and here, as many know with the papers — the 
speech would never have been made nor the corre- 
spondence have taken place. Ste — s, altho appointed 
by our Friends, is among this number — but enough. 
I am satisfied as it has turned out. It will answer the 
best of purposes, & unless he is a Sycophant, he cannot 
but oppose Mr Gunu. If he was not conceited last 
Year, he was dam'd nigh it. 

Remember me sincerely to Genl. Neister, Mess." 
Findly & Grey, & to the Weyman, Stein, & Wager 
Family. 

Mrs Jackson joins me in respects to Mrs Milledge. 
God bless you. 
Yrs &c., 



Jas Jackson. 



Damn your scraps 
of letters — give me 
a proper one. 



Louisville, Jany 2oth, 1797. 
Dear Milledge, 

We are here on the old Ground, with nearly the 
same sentiments on the old business, but the manage- 
ment of our Western brethren has been, & still is 
much more difficult — The disappointment they met 



JAMES JACKSON. 167 

with at tbe late Treaty has occasioned a ferment among 
the minds of the Oconee people not easily alleviated ; 
their members have come forward, generally instructed, 
to open a land Office over the Oconee River. It has 
required no little exertion to prevent a bill for that 
purpose passing the House. The favorers of the meas- 
ure had actually twenty six Members on the floor of 
the Representatives decidedly for it. The leaders of 
Anti Yazoo who have been so stigmatized to the Fed- 
eral Government as Enemies & Anarchists, were 
obliged to set their wits at work to convince some, & 
defeat the designs of others — It is not yet ended, but 
we have a large majority at present opposed to it, & I 
hope we shall be enabled to preserve it. A Joint 
Committee of both Houses have unanimously approved 
of the State Commissioners conduct, at Coleraine ; and 
a spirited remonstrance to the President & Congress, 
will, I believe, be the result — in fact, between our- 
selves this remonstrance is the only mode to preserve 
peace between the Union & Georgia, & that, without 
redress, will not answer the purpose. Some thousands 
of people are now moving into this State, and in Han- 
cock, Washington & Greene, the people are swarm- 
ing — Near twelve hundred voters balloted at the last 
election for the former, and I am confidently informed, 
that little more than half the persons entitled to vote, 
appeared. If Congress do not take some steps, they 
must, & will, rush like a torrent over the Oconee in 
search of subsistence. How much more politic would 
it be in the United States, to appropriate one hundred 
thousand Dollars to procure the land, than to drive a 
frontier to desperation, which must end in bloodshed. 



168 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

aud, if the event were favorable to the United States, 
in incalculable expense — The election of Mr. Adams 
will add to the fuel, and policy on this head should 
induce a compliance with their wishes, which might 
quiet them as to the Administration of Government. 

It is in vain to say the persons who are for going 
•over the Oconee, are a rabble. Some of the most in- 
fluential characters & Friends to good government 
viewing the neglect & contempt with which Georgia 
has been treated, are for the measure — The Indians 
are at this moment scattered over the County of Cam- 
den, killing the Hogs and Cattle of the Citizens, whilst 
a Citizen crossing the line in search of his bona fide 
property is liable to severe penalties. The intercourse 
law is a violation of the territorial rights of the State, 
as well as the Rights of her Citizens. It must be re- 
vised — It must be altered & softened, or we cannot 
possibly bear it. 

Mrs Mi Hedge was well as I understood, when I left 
Savannah. Remember me afiectionately to Tattnal. 
This line must do for both of you — my next shall be 
to him, which you must likewise participate in — Why 
have neither of you written me? 

My family is increased — The Evening you left Sa- 
vannah a second fire happened, in which poor Elen & 
Mitchell, lost the remainder of their property — Mrs 
Jackson brought me a fine boy at the same period — I 
have nicknamed the Dog, Hardtimes. Tell Mamy Wey- 
man that she finds my old Woman and myself keep it 
up in spite of misfortunes — The old trade of Basket 
making goes on, let the World be as it may. 

Tell Tattnall that he spoke to me (as Mrs Davis 



JAMES JACKSON. 169 

mentioned to me since he left Savannah) abont some 
record, which he Avanted from this place, but neither 
she nor myself could remember what — indeed I do not 
recollect that he spoke to me at all on that subject. I 
was to attend the Court for him on his business, with 
that old sinner T. Young, & shall assuredly do so, if 
a Court is held, but I have no expectation until his 
return of any Court in Chatham — indeed it would be 
cruel to have one. 

Did you get my trees ? If not & they are not sent, 

they had better not be procured 

. . . (Manuscript torn here), be too late, & if 
they sprout previous to setting out, they stand a great 
risk of dying — I hope, however, they are already sent 
together with the pease I requested you to get our 
good Landlady to procure for me. Mind my Ency- 
clopedia and the memorandum I gave you. 

I wish I could give you a peep, Tattnall another, 
both bravely seated in the well known rooms, stu- 
diously contemplating the affairs of State, mount the 
second Story & behold my old friend Mr Fin ley per- 
haps giving our Monarchy Men a third pelt — shake 
hands with Mr. Gregg — see the old woman, and the 
Girls in the kichen, & be back in my place to attend 
the effect of a motion to burn the smuggled Mort- 
gages, which I expect to be made to-morrow, & which 
I have no doubt will take place to convince the Union, 
that the annulling law of last Session was not the act 
of an individual, or the hasty ebullitions of a factious 
moment, as the infamous Geographer, Mr Morse, has 
given room to suspect. AVhat a prostitution of divinity ! 
— If we had him in Georgia, we would burn his gown. 



170 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

if he wore one, as an appendage not compatible with 
a lying Historian. If I were in Philadelphia, I would 
address a line to him, & know not but I may as it is. 
This account of the records at Louisville is an in- 
famous production, the Child of base information, & 
the Godchild of a venal pen. I have no doubt of 
Morse's being interested in the Yazoo, however his 
prostituted sanctity (Manu- 
script torn here). 

You know as well as myself, that not a single rec- 
ord was touched, but those appertaining to that nefa- 
rious speculation on the rights of unborn Millions, 
which was begotten & matured by unexampled corrup- 
tion. The cries and clamors of the Interested adher- 
ents of Mr Morse's zealous endeavours, may for a 
while continue to blind the Northern & Eastern Citi- 
zens, but the period will arrive when Georgia will 
receive her full reward by the approbation of future 
ages for having made so fatal a stroke at speculation 
& venality, which had arrived to so monstrous a height 
to threaten destruction to virtue and principle. The 
Legislature have agreed to a joint report to expend 
the time for the persons who deposited the pretended 
payments for Western (Manu- 
script torn). 

Jas J — 

Cannot you bring up our big Certificate and pass 
it ? You may insert my last paragraph if you please 



JAMES JACKSON. 171 

Cedar Hill, June lltb, 1797. 
Dear Milledge, 

I wrote our frieucl Tattnal by the " Welcome " re- 
turn the 4th. This I expect, however, will reach you as 
soon as that letter will reach him. I intended it for 
both of you, and as I there wrote very fully on our 
public situation, I refer you to it for my sentiments 
on that head. God se-d you may be able to stem the 
political Barque through the Ocean of difficulties she is 
engaged in, in safety — I doubt it. 

This will come by the swift Packet which also con- 
veys the absent Senator, as I have been informed. He 
is now released by the premature death of his wife 
from' the bonds of matrimony and will no doubt be 
soon, a beau Garcon in the gay rounds of the seat of 
Government. 

I know not if my information be correct, but I have 
it from the females and they from the waiting maid, 
that tired and weary of life and the miseries she had 
endured she put a period to her existence by a strong 
dose of poison which she had kept sometime by her. 
The deed it is said was hastened by his insisting to 
come into the same room where she had confined herself 
from the time of his arrival, declaring she never would 
bed with him again. Poor unhappy Woman ! she had 
her good qualities & possessed a generous heart, per- 
haps too much so which together with example set her 
by her mother might have led to the criminal conduct 
she is charged with. Another partner might have re- 
claimed her. I think, if he possesses feelings, he 
must be miserable. You have this story as I got it — 
not on my own authority — therefore, be silent. 



172 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

I much long to hear from you on several accounts — 
we are all at guess work. I learn tbat Mrs. Milledge 
expects you in about a fortnight — in ray opinion you 
will not be here in two months. A direct tax is no 
easy object to accomplish. Different views & inter- 
ests have ever in my humble opinion existed. They 
are almost as numerous as the States which form iu our 
President's language The Nation. She is I understand 
well. Mrs. Jackson was down at Mrs. Box's a few 
days since, but Mrs. ISIilledge lives (like her iu my 
absence) perfectly retired ou The Island. We have 
both reasons for congratulation, when we contrast 
situations with many others — in particular the unfor- 
tunate subject (part of this letter) whose situation 
must be dreadful to be happy. He may shake it off, 
but if I know you, Milledge, you nor I could do it. 

I am much in your debt but must be more so. My 
Encyclopedia must be had from Dobson, you must pay 
Footman a balance due him, you must procure me some 
of the best Garden seeds — and I must pay you the Cash 
for all your demands On Sight. 

Tell the Old Lady how much I regard her. God 
knows if ever I should see her again, but I wish her 
well here & hereafter. 

God bless you. 

J AS. Jackson. 

My complt. to Messrs. Findly, Gregg, &c &c &c not 
forgetting Giles & Baldwin. For God's and your 
Country's sake — be staunch! 



JAMES JACKSON. 173 

Louisville, August 11th, 1798. 
Dear Sir, 

I had the pleasure of your favor from Augusta in- 
closing me late Philadelphia papers, and since that I 
have received your joint letter from Philadelphia 
M'ith Mr. Baldwin inclosing me the cover of a letter 
which I had written the 16th February, and you 
received the 20th of June — four months & 12 days 
after its leaving Louisville. I do not like to judge 
hard, but I fear that little sink, Augusta, plays tricks 
more ways than one. The Post Officer here has sat- 
isfied me that the misconduct did not happen in Lou- 
isville. 

I wish while you were at Augusta you had rolled 
round here on your way home. One day's delay 
would not have been much, and I had ten thousand 
things to ask you which will not do on paper. AVe 
could have chatted away one 24 hours easily. 

I hope you found Mrs. Milledge well, and your 
crop pleasing to behold. Our friend, Tattnal, writes 
me his is not good. 

I wrote you by Post, about a month since, which T 
scarcely think has met you. I should have written 
you oftener, but a fear of your adjournment prevented 
me, and I have friends enough desirous of knowing 
my sentiments. 

In my last I gave you a few hints respecting the 
situation of your Cousin Philip, and ray fears that 
you & Mr. Stephens might suffer. He certainly is 
very imprudent ; he makes no exertion, and appears 
perfectly indifferent. In the present situation of 
things, when the State wants every shilling, this con- 



174 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

duct is iuexcusable. The treasury is low and Savan- 
Dah and the southern ports cry out for Fortifications 
& protection. These cannot be or afforded without 
money, and there are about four Collectors who have 
twenty odd thousand Dollars publick money in their 
hands. Steps were taken a,o;ainst the others, & the Ex- 
ecutive could not be partial. 

As if your Cousin set the State at defiance, I find 
he has forbid AVall's selling. This I cannot permit 
in justice to the State & my own reputation, and as 
sure as any Judge dares, contrary to the tax law, to 
make a Judicial interference, I will lay the matter & 
his conduct in interfering before the Legislature. If 
your Cousin had made any common advance, I would 
have given him a longer breathing time, but he does 
not, as matters stand, deserve it. 

Berrien directed the Execution in the first place 
against him to get as much as possible from him pre- 
vious to coming on his securities. Honesty and grat- 
itude ought to dictate to him to save you harmless, 
and not screen his own property. I confess my 
attachment has been strong towards him, and his 
present conduct surprizes me. 

I would yet advise him to come forward. If he 
should not under the pressing circumstances the State 
is now in, he will have reason to fear that the next 
Legislature will pass a most severe law, by which ex- 
clusive of property's being liable, the person also 
will, without bail or mainprize, be liable to be shut 
up for life. The State will be compelled to be severe; 
upwards of fifty thousand Dollars are now in the 
hands of Individuals. Perhaps he may escape this 



JAMES JACKSON. 175 

severity, as he has you & Mr. Stephens for security, 
■whose estates are sufficient ; but it will be cruel in 
him to let you suifer, & however great my Friend- 
ship, I must do my duty. 

Our Savannah lads seem determined to set us at 
war with all the Nations Mother Britain quarrels 
with. The burning the Spanish schooner was a most 
wanton act. The Citizens cry out for protection one 
■week, and strive to add to their enemies the next. 

You see that my Friends at Augusta, still remem- 
ber me ; much good may it do them. They set me 
down for a Proteus — an Englishman — skip Jack — 
from Oliver Cromwell they metamorphose my Pres- 
byterian Countenance into Jean Frenchman, and as 
suddenly change Robespierre, one & indivisible of 
course Federal, into a wicked Anti Federalist who 
wishes to support State Governments. Lord help us, 
■what will they make of me next ? 

The Corporation have applied to me for money. I 
have advised a voluntary contribution, & have offered 
to set the example. If every planter who works 
twenty hands on Savannah river or its vicinity, would 
give one hundred Dollars, it would come to a hand- 
some sum, & would protect their remaining property. 
Is it not better to do this than to run the risk of 
losing all? The State cannot answer all the expec- 
tations of Savannah — she must provide for other 
places, weaker and more exposed ; but all she could 
do would not be sufficient to fortify Savannah as it 
•ought to be. 



176 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

Hoping to see you previous to your return North- 
wardly, I am, my dear Sir, 

Yrs. very sincerely, 

Jas Jackson. 

Mrs. J. begs her Compl'ts to Mrs. M. The chil- 
dren are better, & John says he wants to see his God- 
father. 

Apropos, you sent on my Encyclopedia. Do send 
it up by Mr. Manns on the first opportunity, & write 
me. 

The Honorable 

John Milledge, Esqr., 
near 
Savannah. 
Favor of 

Mr. Manns 

if not in town care of 
H. Jackson. 



Louisville, Nov. 14th, 1798. 
My Dear Milledge, 

I fully intended to have been in Chatham before 
this, but have been prevented by a hurry of business 
until it is too late to go down and return in time to 
cast up the votes for Congress. I am therefore con- 
strained to postpone my departure until the first of 
next month, when I shall, if you are not gone North- 
wardly, take one day at least with you on Skidoway 
to chat over the present scene of men and things. 

It is yet uncertain whether our Friend Baldwin or 
Taliaferro will carry the day. I do not think the dif- 



JAMES JACKSON. 177 

ference will at any rate be great. Jones will lead by 
a considerable number. I do not know how it is, but 
although Jones hits Yazoo hard and travels in similar 
sentiments with yourself, Baldwin, & others, he meets 
universal suffrage, whilst you, Baldwin, & above all, 
myself, meet for our services blackguard abuse, and 
the most infamous constructions on our conduct. He 
is at the Full — we, ray Friend, in the wane of popu- 
larity, he at the zenith — we scarcely in the twilight of 
publick influence. I do not observe this as censure on 
our Friend, for I shall give over human confidence, if 
ever I have reason to suppose that he will change 
those principles he has so strenuously supported. His 
Enemies no doubt wish to purchase, but I hope he is 
too high at market for their purses. As to popular- 
ity, my Friend, it is a shadow — here one moment, 
there another — as the sun of events changes its situa- 
tion. For ray own part I ara sick of it, and could I 
see the State in peace, and get rid of the political noose 
with decency, I would retire from publick life forever, 
and leave to the rising politicians all the Ambition & 
tumultuous honor of my appointment at present, or 
those which might be offered to me in future. 

I hope that neither our friend Tattnal nor yourself 
will leave Chatham until my arrival, when you will 
certainly be informed of the Election of Congressional 
Members. As to the State — the Senate is not strong. 
Our Friend, G. Jones, must work hard ; he encount- 
ers that bawler, Cuyler, and S. McNeil, however, 
helps hira. A raajority of the House is of the right 
side, if the assiduity & perseverance of the T — y de- 
partment & a coalition which I ara told is formed with 



178 LIB'E OF MAJOR GENERAL 

the Augusta lads by it, does not too much ])revail. 
Youug Bryau has now a fine opportunity of coming 
forward. Never had a young politician a fairer. Sims is 
at present all ourdependenceatspeaking againsta host. 
Young Elliott from Burke & Bryan must prepare for 
publick expectation. If the latter once breaks forth, my 
ideas of him are sanguine. Gods! 20 years since how 
would I have rejoiced at the same opening ! If he 
does not — but he inust — Chatham will suffer. 

Abuse of your humble servant still continues. They 
strive hard to make me a monster ; I shall be well if 
I escape without the painting. So much for real dis- 
interested Conduct & publick service. 

Mrs. Jackson begs her regards to Mrs. Milledge ; 
my Compl'ts also, if you please. Tell Tattnal I should 
have wrote him, but he has not answered my two last. 
I wrote you in answer to yours by Mr. Butler, but 
have heard nothing from you since. 

God bless you says your friend, 

Jas. Jackson. 

The Honorable John Milledge, Esqr., 
Skidoway Island. 

Louisville, March 13, 1799. 

Dear Milledge, 

I suppose that you are working away at the Cotton; 
the season appears to be flivorable, & no doubt but you 
embrace it to make up for the loss of the last year. 
On the W'hole, however, I do not think you had much 
right to complain ; if your low Country Cotton did 
not produce, your up Country Cotton assuredly did. 



JAMES JACKSON. 179 

I lost all rice & Cotton to speak of its consequence at 
Cedar Hill, and what I had at the Hammock fell far 
short of my expectations. I shall begin to plant here 
in a few days, but must continue at the Green Seed. 
If I had a little of your up Country black, I would 
try it. How many lobes has it, & are the bolls as full 
as the Green Seed Cottou ? 

Our Friend, Charley, has resigned, and I shall rein- 
state our Friend, Morrel. The appointment of him 
goes by this post, and I hope he will not refuse to 
qualify. He has no reason to be chagrined with the 
Office, or the Executive, nor with some of the Mem- 
bers, and his acceptance may mortify the man most 
instrumental in deranging him. It was young B., 
but this between ourselves. I have sent a dedimus 
to the Inferior Justices. Give my compliments to, 
and inform him of it. 

I should have written to you two days since by Dr. 
Bothwell, the minister of this place, but business pre- 
vented me. I beg you to show him what attention 
may be in your power as one of the Trustees of Hunt- 
ington College. He has had my Boys under him since 
the period of their coming up, & is a complete Latin, 
Greek, & Hebrew scholar, besides a knowledge of 
French. His character is very respectful, though a 
plain man. He has an invitation to Savannah, and as 
his health is by no means stable here, he wishes to 
change the air. I have been thinking that if he suc- 
ceeds, he might preach on Sundays & keep school at 
the orphan house where he might reside during the 
week. If the Trust should deem a Teacher of Ian- 



180 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

guages at present necessary, I do not think a more fit 
person could be employed. 

Some thouzands of Yazoo Dollars have been drawn 
from the Treasury, and several other applications are 
made ; but cases occur which will require an amenda- 
tory law. I hope that the next session I shall see you 
& some others who are staunch on the Floor — such as 
Mr. Stephens, Dr. Jones, Dr. Young, & Col. Tattnal 
— it will uot do for the people to be altogether lulled. 
Walton has fired away in Burke, and from his charge 
there is little doubt but he would be decidedly opposed 
to the interests of the State & in favor of the specu- 
lation. He says that party and Faction have too long 
pervaded the bench, or words to that effect — but who 
has fanned the coals under the signature of Brutus. 
He seems to have burst forth with the full display of 
his splendid usefulness and all the pomp of self con- 
sequence, clad in the robe of power, and armed with 
the dagger of malignity. 

I have not heard if our Friend Tattnal is returned. 
I have written to him two letters, but to my surprise 
have not received an answer. This makes me at times 
apprehensive that he is displeased at Mr. Baldwin's 
election. He ought to be convinced of my regard & 
Friendship for him, and I am fully persuaded had Mr. 
B. & himself been both run, Carnes would have ob- 
tained the seat. Both their Friends thought it best 
and prudent to have a meeting run the person having 
the highest number. I was not present; delicacy from 
my situation forbade it. Baldwin, our Friend Tattnal, 
the Speaker Meriwether, and Mr. Telfair were named. 
Mr. Baldwin came a few votes ahead & Meriwether 



JAMES JACKSON. 181 

gave up immediately to him. After this fair proceed- 
ing there was no prospect of carrying any person but 
Baldwin — to split would have effectually lost all. If 
the Colouel remembers his own letter to me, he men- 
tions that he understood that Walton & Baldwin were 
candidates; if so & there was a prospect of splitting, 
to withdraw his name. This I requested to be done 
after the private meeting. If he would reason with 
himself, he ought not to be displeased, but satisfied 
that the other side Uxst their man. My regard for 
him has induced these observations to you, as I am 
uneasy at his unusual silence. I know that attempts 
have, or will be made to impress him with the idea of 
his Friends leaving him — it was really not the case. 
And several back country members understanding he 
had resigned, had made up their minds for Baldwin. 
The idea of his resignation assisted to injure his elec- 
tion. 

I am almost sick of this place, and wish to breathe 
a little low Country air. If I can, I shall strive to 
be down in all next month. 

France, I percieve, has made Overtures to our Gov- 
ernment through Vans Muvray, our Minister in Hol- 
land. I wish they had received our envoys; the 
minds of our Citizens would not have been so warped 
in favor of our old Tyrant, Britain. 

Mrs. Jackson begs her Compliments to Mrs. Mil- 
ledge, my respects also if you please, and believe me 
sincerely Yr. Friend & Servt., 

Jas. Jackson. 



182 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

Louisville, April 2nd, 1801. 
My Dear Milledge : 

I snatch a moment by the Post to congratulate you 
on the certainty of your election, and not only you, 
but our Country and the Delegation in Congress which 
is now harmonious and unanimous. The returns 
which have come in you will find enclosed. Mont- 
gomery had no election, Bulloch returns not in, but 
Captain Cone who was with me yesterday, says it was 
unanimous for you. Barnett has worked like a Horse 
for you, and so has Meriwether, Bailey of Oglethorpe, 
Dixon & Harris of Jackson, and Abercrombie of 
Hancock, Lamar, & Adams. In Green, Melton, the 
Gresharas, the Earlys &c said you were my Friend 
and a low Countryman, and ultimately to prevent 
Stith getting a number of the other votes. The Fitz- 
patricks and the Greens, although they voted for you, 
encouraged Van Allen. Stith's voting for the seat of 
the University at Greensborough made him so popular; 
and he rode day and night — thank God for nothing. 
God bless you. 

Yours sincerely, 

Jas. Jacksox. 
John Milledge, esquire, 
Augusta, 
post. 

Louisville, Septr. 1st, 1801. 
Dear Milledge : 

I had fully intended to have seen you in Savannah 
last month, but Mrs. Jackson's extreme illness pre- 
vented it ; she is now barely able to sit up, and I 



JAMES JACKSON. 183 

assure you I am almost worn down. After a mouth's 
confinement to her bed, she lost her little one — another 
Girl — with a Child of which sex, it appears, God is 
not pleased to bless us; but I have reason to be satis- 
fied that Mrs. Jackson's life is preserved, for never 
had woman a more narrow escape. It will now be 
doubtful if we meet again until Congress meets at 
Washington, for I shall leave this on Friday for 
Savannah, whither I am obliged to go, to scrape up 
my rents &c., to assist in fixing Will and James at 
Athens; & to remove the rest of the Family down, 
which I shall do in October — the illness we have 
met having nearly drained my resources. I shall 
hurry back from Savannah, and post off with the 
Boys for Jackson county to see them settled 
which will bring me till the middle of October. 
It will take me one week here to remove after that, 
& give my orders at the plantation, and it will be the 
last of October before I get the Family down, & any 
way settled. Some little time I must allow myself to 
arrange my affairs there, and if I turn about, and 
come straight back to the Senatus Academicus, I shall 
have no time for arrangement at all ; so that it is 
dubious if I shall attend, and in such case it is im- 
probable we shall meet 7iext in Georgia, as I shall sail 
for Baltimore & I suppose you will go by land. Do 
you still hold your wish of our being together? If 
you do, let us agree that the first arriving at Wash- 
ington shall provide lodgings for the other. Another 
question — Do you carry Mrs. Milledge? The Doc- 
tors have forbid my conveying of Mrs. Jackson, and 



184 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

have advised her being on or near The Sea Islands 
for the Winter. 

I wrote Mr. J — n pretty fully and gave him the 
leading features of some Official Cliaracters — particu- 
larly those of District Atty. M — 1 Superv'r &c. It 
will not do, my Friend, to be squeamish ; those fel- 
lows would have cut your throat and mine six months 
since. For the first of those, if removal should be 
thought proper, I named our Friend Brydie — for the 
second to split a set of them, & hush Cabal Holland, 
who is a real firm republican & cannot, poor fellow, 
help his connection, and for the third, our old Friend, 
Col. Burks — so as to have some from the Westward. 
And for the same reason I have mentioned the name 
of William H. Crawford, Barret's nephew, as a Can- 
didate for the C. Judgeship. I have not interfered 
with Mr. W — n, but Mr. Barret & the whole back 
country are wroth, having learnt he has been recom- 
mended. Crawford will satisfy them all — Early and 
a few Yazoo Lawyers excepted — and we must take 
some of those Friendly Young Men by the hand. I 
should have named my old soldier, Stalliugs, for 
M — 1, but it would not do whilst in duress himself. 
I think old Burns as well qualified for Sup-vis-r as 
any other I can think of — hydraulics has been his 
study — his republican sentiments are staunch and 
M — ws has had it long enough and used the publick 
money long enough. 

I have written this in confidence by Mr. D. B. 
Butler who has promised to deliver it with his own 
hand. If I could have seen you, I should not have 
mentioned one of the above without consulting you ; 



JAMES JACKSON. 185 

but I kept Mr. J — 's letter so long in expectation of 
seeing you that I was ashamed to delay it longer. 
You & I must go together. 

Yr. Friend & Servt., 
Write me by post Jas. Jackson, 

inclosed to Benedict post haste; 
it will come safe. 

Mrs. Jackson's regards to Mrs. Milledge, to whom 
also please to present my respects. 

Apropos — cannot you and myself bring it about to 
put the bearer in Hobby's place ? That Fellow must 
not stay here. 



Dear Governor, 

I am still here on the fret. Not a vessel for Balti- 
more, Philadelphia, or Norfolk, either here or at 
Charleston, and I am compelled to wait the motions 
of the Ceres for New York, not above half loaded. 
I am almost crazy about the claims. Write Dearborn 
another pressing letter with any other information you 

can get; the must be kept up, or they are 

gone. If I had been so lucky as to have got on the 
ground the first day, I. have no doubt all would have 
been straight. 

I hope you have got over the session pretty well 
without any extraordinary mischief. Has a resolu- 
tion passed authorizing you to deliver over to Secre- 
tary of the Treasury all Yazoo papers, deposits &c 
&c? It should be done. They certainly are now of 
no use, & of right they belong to the Union. 

I write Mr. Mays by this days mail. If he has 



186 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

left Louisville, I wish it to be taken iu charge of by- 
Mr. Wilkinson, & will thank you to drop a line to 
him to have it safe conveyed, if he has left Augusta. 
Sea Island Cotton 4-4c. in demand; upland, 17, on 

the rise. Rice brisk. 

Let me hear often from you, & believe me, 
Y' Friend & Servt., 

Jas. Jackson. 

Cedar Hill, 23rd, 1802. 

His Excell'y, 

John Milledge. 
For God's sake take care of Bryan. 



Washington, Jan. 5th, 1803. 
My Dear Sir : 

Accompanying this you will receive an official let- 
ter notifying the ratification of the Treaty by aa 
unanimous vote of the Senate — a vote I had by no 
means contemplated. The opposition generally with- 
drew on the occasion, but Morris & even Tracy voted 
with us, & perhaps were induced to do so from my 
attacking the Treaty myself, which I did pretty 
warmly, & charged Hawkins home. I thought it best 
to begin first, & the event has justified it. I have 
little doubt now but that we shall procure another 
treaty for the Okmulgee & the balance of Tallassee 
County. If I might advise, I would decline calling 
the Legislature for some weeks, by which period we 
can give you further information on the head, and it 
will be much better for the planters who will be busy 
in preparing and sowing their fields in February, 



JAMES JACKSON. 187 

March, & the former part of April ; & the first of May 
is as healthy as any season of the year. 

I am sorry to inform you that by some maneuver 
or other, copies of the papers respecting yourself and 
Judge Stephens which I thought fully secured, had 
been previously taken, & are now in this City, as I 
am credibly informed. General Meriwether wrote 
you on Monday and inclosed you the Washington 
Federalist containing a most violent attack on you & 
the Judge. We think it best to let it pass off unno- 
ticed for fear of the publication of the papers them- 
selves. How the copies could have been taken, un- 
less by the permission of Captain Marbury, we cannot 
account — but so it is — perhaps in his absence from the 
Office. The connection is such and their motives so 
envious & malicious, the Feds would unveil the mys- 
teries of heaven or rip up the Magazines of Hell to 
procure food for their slanderous appetite. I know 
they would not leave you like your predecessor alone ; 
they will accompany you, as they did me, through all 
your administration, and I told you to be prepared 
for it. 

I think if the letters we have officially written to 
you respecting the upper line & the one now sent as 
;to the ratification of the treaty with the Creeks were 
published, it would tend to take off a great part of 
>the impression the blackguard piece might otherwise 
make, & I recommend the publication of both, as 
what will attach the Citizens to the General, and 
-State Administrations. 



188 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

Hoping that Mrs. Milledge is better, & that you 
enjoy good health, 

believe me always 

Y' Friend & Servt., 

Jas. Jackson. 

I expect Mr. Mays has sent down for my Boys. If 
you should be at Augusta when they arrive in the 
State & will advise them as to getting along, you will 
much oblige me. They will have money to hire 
horses. 

A Louisville paper just arrived gives me an oppor- 
tunity to make a wipe at the Federalists in your & 
Stephens' favor. 

Do give me advice where to get my Cotton Seed 
for Cedar Hill; what I got from your Island planta- 
tion was very bad. How would your Augusta black- 
seed answer? Has it degenerated? If not, put some 
on board a boat for me to the care of Starke. 



Washington, Jany. 17, 1803. 
Dear Governor : 

Again have they been at you, at me, at Mitchell, 
& at Putnam, in a most virulent manner. I inclose 
you my reply. R. — e puffed up by his triumph over 
Ellery, may be pushed to get at me. I doubt if he 
does, if I honor him so far as a meeting. I have 
bolstered up too many to bolster him under the vari- 
ous charges against him until he wipes them off, and 
I shall take good care he shall not Ellery me with 
impunity ; if he attacks, he dies. 

We are going on as well as we can wish. The report 



JAMES JACKSON. 189 

of the Secretary of War will be decidedly in favor of 
the Militia claims, all except the Okmulgee expedi- 
tion which the State must pay, if ever paid, herself. 
Our old Friend, the Attorney-General, told me last 
evening that another treaty for the balance of the 
fork and Tallassee will be held this Summer. This 
in confidence, but I have no doubt of it as well as 
one on the upper line with the Cherokees. We have 
the Government perfectly with us; if we act right at 
home, our highest wishes will be gratified. The pro- 
priety of calling an extra session of the Legislature 
may be questioned until we see more here. 

Mr. Munroe was appointed Minister extraordinary 
to France and Spain on the New Orleans business, 
and to purchase the Floridas if possible. Negotia- 
tion will be first tried in every State to preserve 
peace ; if it fails, what must ensue I need not tell you. 
Thp Western people are resolved & prepared to force 
a free passage of the Mississippi. 

Should this meet you at Augusta, do, as I before 
begged, attend for me to my Boys whilst there, and 
contrive them on to Athens; they will be provided 
to hire Horses, but they will want advice. 

Hoping that Mrs. Milledge recruits, believe me, 
J)' Govr., 

Y"" friend, 

Jas. Jackson. 

His Excell'y John Milledge. 

Note the part against R. is as far as my friends 
would permit me to go. It is understood by every 
Member on the floor. To have gone further, after 



190 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

the late business, would be deemed a breach of the 
privilege of the house. 



Washington, Jany. 25, 180J?. 
My Dear Governor : 

Your favor of the 12th instant from Augusta 
reached me yesterday, and I hasten to reply to it. I 
have written you pretty regularly since my being 
here, & shall continue to do so until the end of the 
Session which indeed now draws to a close. 

The attacks on you & the Judge, Col. Mitchel, & 
Captain Putnam, have terminated in the Federalists 
attacking myself with a promise of continuation. 
His last styles me Sir William Draper. If I answer 
it at all, I shall remind him, if that attaches to me, 
which I doubt, I do not feel him a Junius. No doubt 
the Herald will have all the correspondence, so it is 
needless to send you all the papers. I will inclose 
his last to me, to-morrow. Our Friends are pressing 
me to stop, & tell me that I have done you all Jus- 
tice, & have satisfied their minds — that to outblack- 
guard or outlie the writers of that paper is impos- 
sible. 

Mr. Early arrived and took his seat, under a para- 
graph of your letter certified by me of the 23rd 
Deer. He has since received bis commission. He 
has hitherto given republican votes, and behaved 
well ; but I find the Yazoo lads depend greatly on 
him. This is what I fear, & this Session he ought 
to have been at home. On this subject I am of opin- 
ion the State injured herself beyond calculation in not 



JAMES JACKSON. 191 

giving up the papers, deposit &c &c. I expect from 
their incessant workings, & my Friend & yours the 
Genl., thinks they'll work on him, that the whole 
5,000,000 of Acres will be appropriated in Mass— 
and indeed an appropriation of that land, as no 
checks are here, appears necessary so as to leave it 
open for the Commissioners of the U. States to decide 
on Just claims ; for I myself do not deem it proper 
to shut the door altogether, and I fear the cabinet 
will be for appropriating the whole, as it will make 
no diiference to them, as they can allow what they 
please and thus prevent any future appropriation 
which Avould revert to Georgia. 

Inclosed you have the broad, staring evidence of 
the guilt of your friend Rutledge, who has been the 
origin with T. Gibbons of all your attacks. The 
Aurora man jibes at him ; let Smith, or Day & Hely 
have it to print. The Rhode Island Republican chal- 
lenges him to legal combat. He tries to hold up his 
head, but he has lost his usual front. Were I in his 
place, I would hide myself forever, but he talks, it is 
said, of fighting, & is going to carry his Ellery 
second, L. Morris, to the Southward. It may be my- 
self; but he must clear up his reputation first, and 
give Mitchel and Putnam satisfaction before he meets 

me, & by , he shan't Ellery me. 

So I have been once more dead in Georgia. My 
enemies are again deceived, for I am alive & never 
more hearty. Brown tells me I have been dead in 
Kentucky ; Green of the Mississippi that I was dead 
there ; and Ross that I was dead at Pittsburg ; and 
all stared to see me alive & on the floor. In all the 



192 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

Atlantic States I have also been dead, & I find by a 
Loudon paper I have been dead in England. I begin 
to think I am somewhat beyond the Cat's nine lives. 
I thank you & my real Friends for the lively feelings 
they entertained on hearing of my safety. Present 
them all with my sincere acknowledgments and best 
wishes for their happiness. All I can promise in re- 
turn is to do as I have always done — to consider their 
and my Country's interests as paramount to my own, 
& never to let them clash. 

The Secretary of War has promised me to report 
this Aveek. I shall stimulate and aid our representa- 
tives with all the means in my power. Apropos, Mr. 
Early made his maiden speech, since I began this 
letter very handsomely, & is much praised. I hope to 
God he may turn out straight to the end. 

Another apropos — as to attacks : Goody Harper 
in the Baltimore Anti Democrat has wrote a satire on 
my hat. 

I am happy to find that Mrs. Milledge's complaint 
is checked. That she may recover <& live many years 
to bless you — for you & her as well as my wife and 
myself, have been too long together to wish to part — 
is the prayer 

of, Dear Milledge, 

Y^ Friend & Servt., 

Jas. Jackson. 

I shall attend to Dallas for you next mouth, when 
court sits. I hope to God Harrison's report may not 
be true — it will ruin us if true by heaven ! Black- 
shear's is bad enough. 

Remember me to my boy, George, & Mr. Bosemau. 



JAMES JACKSON. 193^ 

I wrote you if possible to attend to ray sons at 
Augusta on their way up as to procuring horses for 
them ; they go there in the Stage. 



Washington, Feby. 18th, 1803. 
My Dear Governor, 

I drop you three lines to inform you that the House 
yesterday negatived the report on the claims in a thin 
house, by a majority of three ; more than a sufficiency 
of Members were out of the house, who were favor- 
able, to have carried the question — Van Cortland 
among others. Your friend Gregg opposed it pretty 
tight at first, but came at last over & voted for us. 
Randolph & Elmendroff were the Characters who led 
a number of Republicans astray. If Bryan had been 
here, or yourself, it would have gone the other way. 
Gallaher hurt us a little by hinting that these claims 
were merged in the Cession consideration, and on 
that ground Randolph led them oft. Early spoke 
well, and as a speaker is admired, but was too precipi- 
tate in defending his own report before any person had 
attacked it. This proceeded from inexperience, but 
his want & precipitancy injured it. He proceeded 
rather too much in our Legislative fashion and which 
offended some of our Friends. The report of the 
Secretary of War was then postponed until next Ses- 
sion. Mr. Holmes offered General Meriwether to 
move this morning for a reconsideration, but on a 
general consultation, & the Speaker who was warmly 
our Friend with General Smith advised it, we agreed 
to let all stand as it does until next Session, as a second 



194 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

negative now, as the Members are very restive, would 
destroy our hopes altogether. They offer to appro- 
priate for the authorized claims as they term them 
now, but we decline it, as it might seem a kind of 
satisfaction & be brought forward in Argument against 
us at a future day. I despair not of the claims in the 
least. They will, and they must pass. The Speaker 
told them they could not go by it. Our lads must 
have a little more patience and they have had their 
own representatives to speak for them. I have con- 
tradicted Gallaher's assertion positively, and you must 
recollect that in a conversation on the debt of Georgia 
where those claims were brought into view, Gallaher 
himself declared that the Militia claims of Georgia 
must stand by themselves — that they could not be 
connected with the Cession business. 

The report of the Commissioners on the Yazoo 
•claims was introduced yesterday and is now printing. 
To the honor of the State of Georgia, it has confirmed 
the corruption in a more extensive manner than the 
rescinding law or any act ot Georgia — 
"Every member who voted for it — says the report — 
" of both the house and Senate one 
" solitary exception, Robert Watkins, whose 
" name does not appear, was concerned 
" in the purchase." The Commissioners have refused 
the terms proposed by the speculators which were ex- 
travagant, as inadmissable, 8,500,000 dollars out of the 
proceeds after Georgia was satisfied. The Commis- 
sioners offer them 2,000,000 after the satisfaction of 
Georgia, but this they will not take, and I think stand 
a chance to get nothing. At the President's yesterday 



JAMES JACKSON. 195- 

I was asked by the Speaker Randolph & some others 
what the State would take in six per Cents to take the 
Speculators off the hands of the Union — if a Million 
would do. I told them I would contract with them on 
behalf of the State for the Million 6 per Cents ; but 
I would not answer that the Yazoo lads would get a 
stiver more than the money now in the Treasury, but 
that that now I considered pledged to pay our Militia, 
This created a laugh round the Table, when Randolph 
asked me if I would take Mrs. Morton with them. I 
told him I would answer that the State of Georgia 
would take the Male Speculators into dealing, but I 
would have nothing to do with female sharpers. This 
created a roar. As there is many a true word said in 
jest, I now seriously assure you that I would not give 
my consent to part with a Dollar more of the Yazoa 
money, but hold it as a pledge for the payment of our 
Militia. I have told them also, and many Members^ 

Bradly in particular, says we ought to be d d if 

we give up a Cent of it, that we are not bound to do 
it, no mention being made in the Cession. By holding 
fast we shall bring them to it; indeed, several of those 
who voted against the claims, have no great objection 
to our paying them with that money, and say so. 

I began to write you three lines, & I shall write 
nearly two sheets. Well then, Hawkins has sent his 
man Hill here full of complaints against Georgia and 
Georgians, lor building bridges over the Oconee, and 
for one of your wise men of Gotham, a member of the 
Legislature's telling the Indians that the Okmulgee 
fork belonged to Georgia, and that they would have 
it. Whereby Mr. Hawkins has advanced that the 



196 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

•Creek Indians, after being persuaded to give up the 
balance of the fork, had determined to take back their 
^ord. I believe I wrote you in my last that I wrote 
the President a smart whole-length letter, in which 
our friend B. did not like to join me. I have an an- 
swer which I dare not trust altogether by post. The 
following is part, and ought to be satisfactory : "The 
War Department, charged with the Indian affairs, will 
second my views with sincerity, and in the present 
case, beside the official directions which will go to 
Col. Hawkins immediately, to spare no effort from 
which any success can be hoped to obtain the residue 
of the Oconee and Okmulgee fork. I shall write my- 
self to Col. Hawkins and possess him fully of my 
views and expectation, and this with such explanation 
as I trust will bring him cordially into them." Again, 
"When speaking of the Okmulgee fork I ought to 
have added that we should do what can be done prop- 
erly on behalf of Woffbrd's settlement, and that as to 
the So. Eastern Road (from Tennessee) it shall be 
effected." This is as much as could be expected, and 
I have no doubt we shall have treaties this summer 
for all those objects. 

If you call the Legislature, and I believe you had 
better, to prepare the demands of the State against 
the Indians, about the middle of May will be best. 
We must ourselves apply for our rights to either cash 
or land, and you must pay the way. I have again 
almost totally lost my crop, and cannot afford to do 
publick business for nothing. lam getting old and 
have a large family, and the prime of my years have 
been spent in the service of the State to the detriment 



JAMES JACKSON. 197 

of my private interests, and it is too late now to re- 
burse it. The State must do me justice as well for 
the Commissioner's duty as my demand against her 
during the war, which you can assist me in. In right 
they owe me 2,000 dollars for house rent whilst Gov- 
ernor, and I spent more over my salary than that sum 
comes to. 

Thank you again for your good intentions towards 
my boys. I hope you have before this seen them. 
Dallas is not yet here, and I know nothing about the 
<3ause. We are so engaged about Ross' motion for 
war that I have not a moment to enquire, but will, 
to-morrow being Saturday. The close of the session 
is at hand and you know how it is, all hurry. Mason 
seemed inclined to postpone. 

You did well in approaching Webly; Wylly was 
not steady enough, tho' I shall look out something 
for him here if possible. The weather you say has 
been cold. It has been bitter here for a week past ; 
only one Northern mail has arrived in five days. God 
send that Mrs. Milledge may get over her cruel dis- 
order. Do give my sincere respects to her. Mrs. 
Jackson has also been again very ill. Thank you for 
your order to Mr. Alger for the cotton seed, and be- 
lieve me aifectionately, 

Y' Friend & Servt., 

Jas. Jackson. 

Don't show what I have mentioned about E — y. I 
leave the rest to your discretion. To give the Devil 
his due, Rutledge supported early in the claims. Old 
Meriwether is a sterling fellow. 



198 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

Washington, Feby. 14th, 1803. 
Dear Governor, 

I received your favor of the 28th Ultimo from 
Louisville some days since, as well as your publick 
letter to Mr. Baldwin and myself as Senators, inclos- 
ing the proceedings of Messrs. Easely, Carnes &c 
which I have laid, by my Colleague's advice, before 
the President of the United States. He did not run 
them over whilst I was present, for company was 
there, but sometime since the three States, Kentucy, 
Tennessee & Georgia, addressed him on the subject of 
a Road from Danville through Tennessee to Augusta, 
& he assured me on Saturday when I laid your last 
dispatches before him, that the Road would be pro- 
cured, which will prove of immense advantage to our 
State. I am afraid some exceptions will be taken as 
to the proceedings of what you term our Commission- 
ers, as they went into the Nation without a Federal 
Officer, and speak somewhat in the treaty-making 
manner, which I wish to God they had avoided. The 
formality of going backwards and forwards under the 
Character of Commissioners will be exceptionable, 
and between you and myself it appears there is to be 
no end to their six dollars a day, as I suppose they 
receive pay, and are to be back again in forty days 
which is expired, & the packet came to hand but on 
Friday & this is only Monday, and there is an 
impossibility for any step that the General Govern- 
ment may take to be known. Of course they must 
have another, and another meeting, and you will have 
them on pay one half the year, besides the Judges 
salary, whilst the Legislature would see Baldwin, you 



JAMES JACKSON. 199 

-or myself at the Devil before they'd allow us a six- 
pence for our extra duty with the Commissioners of 
the U. States in forming the Cession. The choice was 
a bad one at best, and you could not possibly have 
pursued it for any reason but that you found them in 
appointment, and greater enemies you never had. 
Their politics are known & will not make much in 
favor of their proceedings here. I have however 
written the President a closer this day on all those 
subjects, particularly the Okmulgee fork — for Mr. B., 
you know, will not sometimes go all lengths, but which 
I seldom stick at. 

Our big Gunn, the claims of our Militia, has been 
fired in favor of the State. As I have but one copy, 
I cannot send it to you. I, however, enclose you a 
copy of the report of the Committee to whom the 
Secretary's report was referred. — Early, Chairman. 
Dearborn does not go quite as far as I could have 
wished. The State will have, if we get all this, to 
pay some, and a violent opposition will be made to 
this, if it passes the house. I think it safe here. 
The Yazoo claims are not, even yet, brought forward, 
& I wish they may be too late for acting on, as they 
are so damn'd extravagant. 

Dallas is not here, nor will he be here. Indeed 
scarcely a lawyer of any eminence but Mason is here. 
He says Dallas has writen him to postpone the cause 
till next term which letter he will put in the hands of 
a friend to move it, & he seems inclinable himself — 
if old Tom will let him. I should willingly have 
advanced the sum you mention. 

I thank you for your expressions of Friendship for 



200 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

the little part I took in the attack on you here, and I 
also thank you for your friendly expressions as to my 
Children. I shall continue to write you as long as I 
stay here, but beg you to write me no more, as I hope 
to be at sea this day three weeks. 
I am D' Governor, 

Y^ Friend, 

Jas. Jacksox. 
I inclose a letter handed me for you. What say 
you to calling the Legislature ? If you can manage 
the digest without, it would be best not. We shall 
write you Officially as soon as we know the President's 
determination and the fate of the claims. In all prob- 
ability you will be down in Skidoway in a month by 
which time I hope to be at or near home. We 
have had a warm speech from Ross this Morning to 
declare war against Spain — this is for your own ear. 



Baltimore, March 16th, 1803. 
Dear Governor, 

This will be handed to you by Mr. W. Driscoll, a 
Gentleman who has for some time past edited a paper 
in this City but whom at the request of Dr. Smelt, I 
have engaged to carry on the establishment of our 
late Friend, J. E. Smith. 

His character is that of a man of learning, integ- 
rity, and sound principles, precisely such an one as 
we needed at Augusta; and I hope he will be properly 
supported. I have taken the liberty to promise him 
yours — as well as, as much of the publick work as is 
consistent with your duty. I shall procure him all 



JAMES JACKSON. 201 

the subscribers I can below. A noise may be raised 
against him, that he is a Foreigner, but to you and 
myself who have felt the rod of persecution, Mr, 
DriscoU's having been compelled to abandon his 
native Country for supporting the principles you and 
myself have ever avowed, will operate not as an ob- 
jection, but a recommendation. He has the honor 
of an acquaintance with the President who wishes to 
establish him near him in Virginia, as did Gen'l 
Mason, &c, but he has given the preference to Georgia 
and has sold out his paper. The American Patriot^ 
here & will set out immediately. I have also assured 
him that, if necessary, he shall be assisted in the pur- 
chase of the Smith establishment at the expiration of 
the year agreeably to Mr. Smith's desire, and Dr» 
Smelt's information to me, as his last wish. 

I have been most cruelly detained here for the 
Comet in which I sail to-morrow for Savannah. 
Believe me D"^ Governor, 

very truly. 
Your Friend & Servt. 

Jas. Jackson. 
His Excellency 

John Milledge 

Gov &c &c 

Georgia, 
favored by 
Mr. W. Driscoll. 



202 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

Cedar Hill, May 29tb, 1803. 
Sir, 

I beg leave to address your Excellency on the sub- 
ject of an Act of Congress to make further provision 
for, or to amend the Militia Act, the last section of 
which authorizes & requires a Quarter Master General 
in every State. Mr. Samuel Wall, an Aid du Camp to 
a Major General in the late Revolutionary War, is in 
my opinion qualified for it, and as the Adjutant 
general is from the West, it is but fair that the Quarter 
Master Gen. should be appointed from the Eastern 
part of the State. With high respect, I am, Sir, Your 

Excellency's 

Most Obedt. Servt., 

Jas. Jackson. 
Gov. Milledge. 
His Excellency, 

John Milledge, 
Gov. &G., &c., 
Georgia, 
favor of 
S. Wall, Esqr. 



Washington, July 18th, 1804. 
Dear Sir, 

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Excel- 
lency's favor of the 8th last Month, inclosing a reso- 
lution in ray favor respecting the base charges of 
Cox. It has been republished from the Augusta papers 
in the National Intelligencer here, and has effectually 
counteracted the nefarious intentions designed. I feel 



JAMES JACKSON. 203 

grateful to the Legislature, and request you, Sir, to 
accept my thanks for the handsome and friendly 
manner in which you communicated the resolution to 
me. 

I have also to acknowledge the receipt of your two 
publick packets on the subject of Wofiford's settlement 
— the last inclosing a resolution of the Legislature on 
the topic. The Secretary of War has the last under 
consideration. As soon as we get his answer, Mr. 
Baldwin & myself will inform your Excellency of the 
result. We expected Mr. Early had written on the 
subject of the Tennessee Road which appeared to be 
collaterally connected with your first packet, and he 
was one of the Committee appointed by the State of 
Kentucky, Tennessee & Georgia to advise with the 
Secretary. 

I inclose your Excellency the Message of the Pres- 
ident on the taking possession of Louisiana, 
and am, with respect, 

Y^ Excellency's Obedt. Servt., 

Jas. Jackson. 
His Excellency 

John MUledge, 
Governor &c. 



My Dear Milledge, 

I sincerely lament your not remaining here when on 
the Ground. I should have been relieved from my 
present embarrassed situation — elected Senator con- 
trary to my will, ray expressed determination, and my 
interests. You had no sooner left this than the 



204 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

cry of your not going to Congress the last Session you 
were in, was raised against you, and Griffin, Games, 
& Stith were proposed, to which was added ''we must 
have an up Country Man." In vain was your present 
residence held up, and all the exertions of your Friends 
Twiggs, Bosticks, and others made in your favor. 
Stith was on the ground supported by Fort & all that 
train. Griffin was sent express, and all three resolved 
to run together on a pinch. The old Speaker on the 
other side determined to be a Candidate, which split 
our own interests, and George Jones was equally sup- 
ported. Stephens also and Mitchel had their Friends 
— all offering to give up to me except the Fort Gang. 
I still resisted, and Barnett and the whole back Coun- 
try then resolved to run me whether I would or not. 
I am now in the most responsible situation I ever was 
in my life — Carnes waiting to march into the Govern- 
ment, and notwithstanding every exertion, I am in- 
formed if I leave, it will be placed there, and if I de- 
cline the Senate, will assuredly go there. To hold on 
until the 4th of March will no doubt displease, and 
yet a large Majority of the Members insist upon it. 
Could I get you into either Station, I would cheerfully 
decline the other. I am informed Hammond, Genl. 
Twiggs, &c., have written you. I have thought it my 
duty as a Friend to be thus candid with you. I have 
never countenanced my election. Captain Sibbald, 
who hands you this, knows how matters have gone. 

It is a most bitter cold morning & I can scarcely 
hold my pen, & must therefore conclude that with 



JAMES JACKSON. 205 

mine & Mrs. Jackson's compliments to yourself and 
Mrs. Milledge, 

I am as ever 

Y"^ sincere Friend, 

Jas. Jackson. 
John Milledge, Esqr. 



206 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

Personal letters of Major General James Jackson^, 
now in possession of his descendants in Georgia. 



Dear Major : 

I have received your different dispatches both under 
your own hand & Mr. Wambersies. I am satisfied that 
you have done all in your power on the Sea Coast. 

The Governor however was somewhat alarmed at 
the expense & the arrangement is changed — The Cut- 
ter & Pilot boat, Pilgrim, armed, are now at sea and 
the Guard boats discharged — The expense at St^- 
Marys without boats was enormous. 

Y' Friend, 

Jas. Jackson. 

I am so pestered that I have not time to say more 
than that I inclose a copy of the new arrangement & 
hope to see you in Town in a few days — I wish you 
joy of your election & handsome vote. 



Philadelphia, Jany. 6th, 1795. 
Dear Tatnall, 

My hand is barely recovered so far as to permit my 
writing you a few lines — a trifling cut with an Oyster 
Shell previous to my leaving home has gone near to 
place me in Neal's situation. This must be an apology 
for my not having written you before — indeed — to 
some I might as well not have exerted myself, to 
write with great pain, which I did to Milledge & 
Mitchel from neither of whom have I received one 



JAMES JACKSON. 207 

stroke of a pen — for reasons I suppose best known to- 
themselves. 

Matters look well in Europe & we shall escape their 
troubles — the French are rapidly successful — Amster- 
dam it is expected is in their hands & the Dutch are 
in general for a peace. 

Inclosed is Knox's report to the President — (the 
last, as Secretary of War, having resigned) — respecting 
Indian defence, brought forward principally (as I ex- 
pected) by our Legislative proceedings in Georgia — 
the law Martial clause, which I opposed last Session 
in Senate, reproduced. If it passes, we shall deserve 
it. We are told the Sale is passed — & if so, I con- 
sider Georgia as having passed a confiscation Act of 
the rights of your Children & mine, & unborn Gen- 
erations, to supply the rapacious graspings of a few 
sharks — 300,000 Dollars have gone from this City 
since October, & two thirds of Georgia will be held & 
owned by Residents in Philadelphia, in Six Months. 
Nature & reason declare occupancy to be the true- 
ground of right to land — Georgia reverses the princi- 
ple, and instead of encouraging individual Settlements, 
declares that Speculating companies* a thousand 
miles oif, have the best right — Our Constitutioa 
breathes Republican & equality principles — Our Leg- 
islature, acting under it, establishes Aristocratic Bodies,, 
in those Speculating companies — Vattel & all sensi- 
ble writers on laws of Nations, declare a Government 
has no right to part with its Domain — Georgia sells 
the whole at a stroke — Queer, however, if constitution- 
ally, & I hope the day will come, when another & a 
more pure & virtuous Legislature, will make null & 



"208 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

void this Sale of birthright — for in my opinion, the 
Legislature will constitutionally have a right to do so. 
The question about Congress's taking it, is foreign 
to the business — it has been made a speculating han- 
dle of, & I hope you believe that I am as much averse 
to that body's possessing one foot of it, as any of those 
modern patriots for self interested purposes. 

Our Session is above half gone — in 2 months more, 
I hope to be on the way home — indeed, my interest & 
business at the next Court, in Chatham, calls for me 
sooner. 

General Gunn is not yet arrived — 
God bless you. 

Y" most sincerely 

Jas. Jackson. 

Please present my Complts. to Mrs. Tatnall. 

* Morris — Nicholson — Kettere — Wilson the Judge & one or 
"two others here are those principally concerned altho in Georgia 
the application appears for Georgians — they have all agents in 
Georgia & the others will Sell to those persons in 6 Months from 
this day. 

Free 

Jas. Jackson. 
Josiah Tatnall Junr. esqr 
Bonaventure 

near Savannah Georgia. 
Big Fame 
Capt Benda 



JAMES JACKSON. 209 

JPersonal letter from Governor James Jackson to his 

wife. 



Philadelphia, May 23, 1794. 

My Dear Maria : 

Is it possible that I am so far forgotten by you, as 
to permit Robertson & Webb's sailing for New York, 
and Hotchkiss for this port, without one solitary line 
from you — not a single expression to declare to me 
that you are happy in my safety? I arrived here this 
day, and my first inquiry was of Mr. Footman re- 
specting arrivals from Savannah. Judge of my dis- 
xippointment when I learnt the arrival of Hotchkiss, 
and had eagerly flown to the Post Office to be informed 
there was no line for me from you. Oh Maria, to 
what am I to impute this silence ? Shall I harrow 
my soul in concluding it to be indifferouce towards 
me, and about me? That idea is too torturing to be 
admitted as fact. Altho your strange silence flashes 
it sometimes on the imagination — a fear of your ill- 
ness, as suddenly drives the furious idea off, and 
creates itself a double pain. Perhaps — nay it must 
be so — my Maria languishes on the bed of sickness, 
or one of our little prattlers droops its head, and she 
cannot, or if she can she dares not inform me of it. 
Fatigue would never be plead by my dear girl, as an 
excuse for letting Robertson sail, or the permission of 
two subsequent opportunities, without a line. I 
anxiously wait for Schermerhorn's arrival to learn the 
•cause. I wrote you from New York by Capt. Rob- 



210 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

ertsnn on the 16th instant enclosed to Mr. Bolton,, 
which I hope you will have received before this reaches 
you. I begged Mr. Cook from the Altaniaha, but in 
New York when I left it, to call on you, and inform 
you of my health, and to tell you that I had written 
by Capt. Robertson. I should also have written you 
by him but that I knew of his going for Georgia, so 
late, that from my hurry of setting out for New Jer- 
sey it was impossible for me to write. Indeed it was 
after I was oif I learnt his intended departure from 
himself in the street. 

Since my arrival here, I have examined your trunk. 
The quantity of old silver is trifling, but will assist 
in procuring you a tea pot (see illustration) to com- 
plete your set of tea table furniture. The old lady 
will search the city for your china, and get the glass 
again in order. I shall send them the first good op- 
portunity, but will I hope be on the way myself in 
one month or five weeks at farthest. I shall search 
the book stores for the volumes I did not procure 
you at New York, and will bring them with me. I 
ardently and anxiously long for the hour for my re- 
turn. I am pretty confident that we shall not sit 
above twenty days, and I shall fly to you. Already, 
if I had returned, must I again have left my dear girl 
and family, which would too cruelly have tortured 
you, and too severely have wounded my own feel- 
ings. If I had attempted it, I should have failed. I 
am sensible that I could not have borne it. 

I not only long to hear how you all are, but how 
Christie goes on in planting. I wish also to know 
what Rice or Cotton you had left, and what you have 



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JAMES JACKSON. 211 

given Schermerhorn. I expect no great things, and 
I shall not therefore be greatly disappointed on that 
head, altho I think that I could have made the crop 
go further myself. I hope he is managing rightly this 
season, and that he has the press pretty well under. 
Do give Hercules a charge for me; I greatly depend 
on him. I suppose the cotton has met last year's fate, 
and been cut down, for this has been the most back- 
ward season almost ever known northwardly — and 
Mrs. Nightingale who I saw as well as Mrs. Wright 
and Mrs. Dorsey, informed me at New York, that it 
had been fully as backward in Georgia. I was paid 
great attention to in New York by Commodore 
Nicholson and his family. It was there I saw Mrs. 
Nightingale. The Commodore and his daughter, 
Maria, are this fall going for Georgia to visit Mrs. F., 
and after describing the smallness of our cabin, I 
asked Maria to stay with you whilst in Savannah, but 
excused myself to the Commodore, telling him he 
had a [Remainder of letter lost.] 



212 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 



Personal letter- of Major General James Jackson, now 
in possession of Mr. Elijah A. Brown of Atlanta,. 
Ga., and kindly loaned by him to the publisher. 



Cedar Hill, Nov. 15th, 1801. 
Sir: 

Although I am on the eve of my departure, to 
execute the trust my country has confided to me, in 
the Senate of the United States, I cannot forbear ta 
communicate to your Excellency some information I 
have received, which I deem of importance to the 
State, and which, if a doubt could exist of the in- 
iquity of the Yazoo speculation, effectually stamps 
the brand of infamy on the whole transaction. 

The death of General Gunn, and the falling of all 
his papers into the hands of a Patriot and Republi- 
can, has developed such a scene of intrigue and I 
might add a harsher term, as the World yet never 
knew. 

It will be recollected that the Legislaiure at its last 
Session, sanctioned the Executive in permitting John 
Hall to draw the pretended Georgia Company's de- 
posit from the Treasury, under the documents he pro- 
duced ; which I am still of opinion were equal to the 
requisition of our Laws. It will also be recollected 
that I was anxious he should receive it, knowing 
well from his behaviour and conversation, on my in- 
terrogating him on the subject, from whence he came, 



JAMES JACKSON. 213 

and by whom he was sent; and it has turned out pre- 
cisely to my expectations. 

Major James Benjamin Maxwell, the late General 
Gunn's agent, and who has letters to collect his 
effects from the Court of Ordinary of Chatham, a few 
days since did me the pleasure of a call, in company 
with Mr. Bulloch, the Attorney-General; and in the 
course of conversation the affairs of General Gunn, be- 
came the topic. After some inquiries on my side, 
with all that frankness the Major is blessed with, and 
a declaration that he had a regard for the late Gen- 
eral, but that no individual attachment was equal to 
that he had for his country, he acknowledged to the 
Attorney General and myself, that he had papers to 
the following purport, in his possession, to-wit : 

First. The power of agency to John Hall from 
certain of the Grantees of the Georgia pretended com- 
pany, to draw the deposit from the Treasury. 

Secondly. The partition or division of the whole 
sum drawn among those Grantees. 

Thirdly. A letter from John Hall to General Gunn 
accounting for the sum drawn, with a complaint 
against George Walker that he had made an error in 
counting the money and had detained five or six hun- 
dred Dollars more than his right and pointing out to 
Gunn the mode to be followed with Walker to make 
him refund. 

Lastly. A note of hand of James Simms, esquire, 
one of the Members of the late and present house of 
Representatives, for five thousand dollars, supposed 
to have been given to Hall by John Berrien, the late 
Treasurer. 



214 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL 

Tlie Grant of the pretended Georgia company, 
which I deem of no consequence at all, but which in 
the eye of the most scrupulous Yazoo advocate, must 
now be considered void, was in General Gunn's pos- 
session and lodged with forty-five thousand dollars, I 
sup])ose of the sum drawn, in one of the banks in 
Philadelphia, but is now with that sum in the hands 
of a speculator by the name of Bond, who has admin- 
istered on the General's effects in that City. No 
Will has as yet been discovered but a cancelled one, 
and it is conceded that the General left no Heir. 
Shall I presume to hint the absolute necessity of an 
escheat law, not only in this but numerous cases'? 

If your Excellency should deem proper I have no 
objection to have this communication laid before both 
branches; indeed, it cannot be too much promulgated 
that a set of Characters, after attempting to rob the 
State and posterity by fraudulently obtaining a barter 
of their rights, and collecting large sums from inno- 
cent individuals in every quarter of the Union for 
the pretended sales of the lands so fraudulently ob- 
tained, should have the assurance, not to say villainy, 
"to come forward and draw the whole deposit, chiefly 
monies of those innocent individuals, from the Treas- 
ury and place it in their own pockets. They have 
now, however, a remedy. 

I submit it to your Excellency and the Legislative 
•wisdom, if some steps should not be taken to obtain 
the papers in Major Maxwell's hands, and if a legis- 
lative act indemnifying him' for Their delivery to 



JAMES JACKSON. 215 

some Officer appointed to receive them, may not be 
proper. 

I am, Sir, with perfect esteem, 

Yr. Excelly's Obed. Servt., 

Jas. Jackson. 



